Available to hire
Hi, I’m Kara Severson, a versatile creative professional with extensive experience in writing, presentation design, event coordination, and casting. I’ve worked with diverse industries including finance, advertising, entertainment, and non-profit organizations, specializing in storytelling, motion graphics, animation, and social media management. I am passionate about combining creativity with technical skills to deliver compelling presentations and engaging content.
Over the years, I’ve managed high-profile projects for major clients such as Brookfield Properties, Disney, and Morgan Stanley. I pride myself on my detail-oriented approach and ability to collaborate with leaders and teams to meet branding standards and client expectations. I’m also active in volunteer work, especially involving animal welfare and community engagement, which enriches my professional perspective.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Work Experience
Presentation Specialist at Brookfield Properties
January 1, 2021 - PresentResponsible for creating presentations for Board of Directors quarterly and annual meetings and the Annual Leadership Conference on behalf of SVP Finance & CFO. Facilitated collection of materials from multiple business units for quarterly reports and developed efficient updating processes. Collaborated with Marketing & Creative teams to maintain brand standards for finance presentations. Supported national Communications team with design contributions.
Event Co-Ordinator, Lead, Advance Team at 360, Access, elevoque, Chicago Is, HOSTS, PRA
January 1, 2018 - PresentCoordinated private corporate events including dinners, meetings, and conferences. Acted as liaison between talent and clients on-site, overseeing vendor load-ins and load-outs. Managed advance preparations for private dinners ensuring client wishes and restaurant staff readiness. Assisted with client transportation where needed.
Presentation Specialist (Contract) at XSell Resources
April 30, 2020 - August 18, 2025Created educational presentations for SVP to deliver internally at Aetna (CVS) Health AI Solution Delivery. Contracted for a four-month period working remotely.
Presentation Specialist (Freelance) at Dept-11
December 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025Converted design-intensive presentation materials to user-friendly formats for low-tech clients. Educated Merge staff on PowerPoint tools to empower client support, working freelance.
Freelance Casting Director at Paskal Rudnicke Casting
December 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025Conducted regional and national searches for commercials and real people casting. Interviewed candidates on-camera to share personal stories.
Presentation Specialist (Freelance) at Artisan
December 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025Provided storytelling, motion graphics, and Excel expertise for clients such as Grant Thornton, Hydrotech, and Edelman.
Presentation Specialist, Writer, Proofreader (Freelance) at Creative Circle
January 1, 2009 - PresentDelivered presentation design, writing, storytelling, and motion graphics services for clients including JWalterThompson, Energybbdo, Upshot, Rivet, and others. Specialized in condensing large B2B articles into marketing presentations with strong animation requirements. Supported new business pitches and webinars.
Presentation Specialist, Writer, Co-Ordinator (Freelance) at Aquent
January 1, 2000 - PresentHandled freelance assignments for consumer products, market research, and media entertainment clients such as Disney Channel, The Walt Disney Company, Live Nation, Morgan Stanley, Quad/Graphics, and Legacy Marketing. Tasks included licensing coordination, presentation creation for executive leadership and board meetings, animation, and confidential special projects involving high-profile contacts.
Social Media Specialist, Paralyzed Dog Rehab Foster (Volunteer) at Recycled.Pits
December 31, 2015 - August 18, 2025Created and managed social media accounts raising awareness and funds for a paralyzed homeless pitbull. Achieved over 1500 Facebook fans, attracted global media attention, and secured donations exceeding $3000 and foundation support.
Lead Writer at The Jew and the Carrot
December 31, 2012 - August 18, 2025Wrote and researched 2-3 weekly articles on sustainable living, organic eating, and animal rights connecting topics to Jewish religious thought and culture.
Writer (Social Media), Presenter, Fund-raising (Volunteer) at PAWS Chicago
December 31, 2012 - August 18, 2025Produced articles for Angel Tails Magazine and social media content, served as presenter for volunteer orientations, community outreach, and participated in fundraising as a professional board member.
Music P.A. (Volunteer) at kcrw
December 31, 2009 - August 18, 2025Assisted multiple DJs with live and recorded shows. Served as backstage artist liaison for a live show event.
Graphics Specialist & Writer at Lieberman Research Worldwide
December 31, 2008 - August 18, 2025Created and designed presentations on global and tracking studies for entertainment clients. Analyzed data and wrote executive summaries and recommendations.
Writer at ClubPlanet.com
December 31, 2006 - August 18, 2025Wrote reviews on LA music and nightlife scenes.
Creative Coordinator at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online
December 31, 2004 - August 18, 2025Liaison between producers, talent, and legal teams to manage employment contracts for over 60 freelancers.
Assistant Casting Director, Talent Coordinator at Dublin Productions (now Two Popes Film)
December 31, 1998 - August 18, 2025Cast principle roles and extras for Superbowl ads. Managed casting teams and production logistics including presentations to executives and guild representatives.
Assistant Casting Director (Intern promoted to freelance) at O’Connor Casting
December 31, 1997 - August 18, 2025Managed street casting team for a national commercial featuring local sports teams.
Presentation Specialist at Brookfield Properties
January 1, 2021 - PresentResponsible for creating presentations for Board of Directors quarterly and annual meetings, Annual Leadership Conference on behalf of SVP Finance & CFO. Work with multiple business units to collect and update materials efficiently. Collaborate with Marketing & Creative teams to ensure brand standards on Finance presentations. Support the Communications team nationally with design updates and contributions for presentations.
Event Co-Ordinator, Lead, Advance Team at 360, Access, elevoque, Chicago Is …, HOSTS, PRA
January 1, 2018 - PresentManaged private corporate events, dinners, meetings, and conferences. Acted as liaison between talent and clients on-site at events. Oversaw vendor load-in and load-out. Lead advance team to coordinate restaurant staff and client wishes, including assistance with client transportation.
Presentation Specialist (Contract) at XSell Resources
April 30, 2020 - August 18, 2025Created educational presentations for the SVP delivering internally to peers related to AI solution delivery for Aetna (CVS Health). Contract role for four months working remotely.
Presentation Specialist Freelance at Dept-11
December 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025Converted design-intensive materials for low-tech clients to editable formats. Educated staff on PowerPoint tools to enhance client support. Freelance position focusing on presentation design and client education.
Freelance Casting Director at Paskal Rudnicke Casting
December 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025Conducted regional and national searches for commercials and real people. Performed on-camera interviews to capture candidate personal stories for casting sessions.
Presentation Specialist Freelance at Artisan
December 31, 2021 - August 18, 2025Provided storytelling, motion graphics, and Excel expertise for clients like Grant Thornton, Hydrotech, and Edelman. Specialized in presentation design and data visualization.
Presentation Specialist, Writer, Proofreader Freelance at Creative Circle
January 1, 2009 - PresentWorked freelance as presentation specialist, writer, and proofreader for various agencies including JWalterThompson, Energybbdo, and others. Produced new business pitches, RFPs, and condensed B2B articles into concise marketing presentations with strong animation elements.
Presentation Specialist, Writer, Co-Ordinator Freelance at Aquent
January 1, 2000 - PresentLong-term freelance assignments for consumer products, market research, and media entertainment companies including Disney Channel and Disney Consumer Products. Coordinated and produced presentations, organized licensee meetings, supported special projects for TWDC and Eisner Foundation, and created presentations for CSO and CEO speeches.
Social Media Specialist, Paralyzed Dog Rehab Foster (Volunteer) at Recycled.Pits
December 31, 2015 - August 18, 2025Created and managed social media accounts to promote care and fundraising for a homeless paralyzed pitbull, achieving over 1500 fans and attracting media attention including Huffington Post. Raised significant donations and gained support from multiple foundations.
Lead Writer at The Jew and the Carrot (jcarrot.org)
December 31, 2012 - August 18, 2025Researched and wrote 2-3 weekly articles connecting sustainable living, organic eating, and animal rights with Jewish religious thought and culture.
Writer (Social Media), Presenter, Fundraising (Volunteer) at PAWS Chicago
December 31, 2012 - August 18, 2025Produced articles for Angel Tails Magazine, created social media profiles for high-profile animals, presented new volunteer orientations, conducted community outreach, and participated as a fundraising professional board member.
Music P.A. (Volunteer) at kcrw
December 31, 2009 - August 18, 2025Assisted multiple DJs for live and recorded shows and acted as backstage artist liaison during a music event in 2006.
Graphics Specialist & Writer at Lieberman Research Worldwide
December 31, 2008 - August 18, 2025Created and designed presentations for global and tracking studies for major entertainment clients. Wrote and analyzed data reports including executive summaries and recommendations.
Writer at ClubPlanet.com
December 31, 2006 - August 18, 2025Wrote reviews on Los Angeles music and nightlife scenes.
Creative Coordinator at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online
December 31, 2004 - August 18, 2025Acted as liaison between producers, talent, and legal teams. Managed employment contracts for a large freelance staff of over 60 members.
Assistant Casting Director, Talent Coordinator at Dublin Productions (now Two Popes Film)
December 31, 1998 - August 18, 2025Cast principal actors and extras for three Superbowl ads, managing hundreds of extras and liaising with CEOs, SAG reps, ad agencies, and production teams. Presented casting results to executive stakeholders.
Assistant Casting Director (Intern promoted to freelance) at O’Connor Casting
December 31, 1997 - August 18, 2025Managed street casting team for a national spot featuring local high school sports teams.
Education
Writers Program at UCLA
January 11, 2030 - August 18, 2025Judaica Studies at American Jewish University
January 11, 2030 - August 18, 2025B.A. Business Administration (International Business) Minor Political Science, French at Illinois Wesleyan University
January 11, 2030 - August 18, 2025Writers Program at UCLA
January 11, 2030 - August 18, 2025Judaica Studies (Hebrew, Kabbalah, Torah, History, Ritual) at American Jewish University
January 11, 2030 - August 18, 2025B.A., Business Administration (International Business), Minor Political Science, French at Illinois Wesleyan University
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1994Qualifications
Data Visualization for Data Analysis and Analytics Course
August 4, 2022 - August 18, 2025Industry Experience
Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Retail, Education
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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