Available to hire
Hi, I’m Catherine Kaliniak, a communications and marketing executive with over three decades of experience shaping public relations, branding, digital strategy, and content development for government, higher education, and corporate clients. I help organizations tell clear, compelling stories, elevate brand visibility, and drive measurable results through integrated communications, digital platforms, and strategic planning.
I’ve led communications programs at Matrix Consultants and MSU College of Law, guided cross-functional teams, and built audiences through media relations, website and SharePoint management, event marketing, and business development. I value collaboration, creativity, and data-driven decision-making, and I’m passionate about helping teams communicate with clarity and impact.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Principal, CK Communications and Senior Vice President/General Manager of East Coast Office at Matrix Consultants
May 1, 2002 - PresentProvided comprehensive communications consulting services including public relations, media relations, marketing, website/SharePoint management, event marketing, strategic planning, materials development, editing/writing, and business development for a variety of clients including businesses, organizations, and federal agencies. Delivered integrated marketing communications for Matrix Consultants, specializing in interactive media and traditional marketing planning and creative production.
Director of Communications and Marketing at MSU College of Law
March 31, 2024 - September 4, 2025Developed and implemented internal and external communications and marketing strategies. Responsibilities included creating initiatives targeting diverse audiences, building brand visibility via digital and print communications, planning content strategy, public relations, brand management, marketing, social media, advertising, graphics, website updates, and developing a strategic communications plan.
Vice President at MarkIT Results
May 1, 2002 - September 4, 2025Led public relations, marketing, and strategic planning programs for the agency focusing on IT companies. Served as lead consultant for multiple clients and was responsible for new business development.
Vice President/Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Rainmaker Interactive
August 31, 2000 - September 4, 2025Provided public relations, marketing, and strategic planning counsel to a wide range of clients. Engaged in new business development and supported internal promotions and PR initiatives for Rainmaker Interactive and predecessor companies.
Account Supervisor/Head of the Public Relations Department at Earle Palmer Brown
January 31, 1998 - September 4, 2025Directed communications programs for corporate and association clients, serving as public relations strategist and spokesperson. Crafted communication programs, coordinated government relations planning, authored written materials, and generated media interest for the agency.
Communications Director at U.S. Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond
May 31, 1996 - September 4, 2025Directed the Senator's communications program including media relations and public affairs outreach. Served as official spokesperson and media strategist advising on legislative priorities. Managed a staff of four and directed field communications activities.
Senior Associate at Robinson, Lake, Lerer & Montgomery/Sawyer Miller Group
August 31, 1994 - September 4, 2025Specialized in corporate, media, financial relations, and public affairs. Provided strategic counsel on media, crisis, government, employee communications, and crafted communications materials including corporate videos and serving as media liaison.
Special Assistant to Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (ASDP) at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
January 31, 1993 - September 4, 2025Oversaw operations of Office of Defense Programs, served as chief liaison with Office of the Secretary and field operations. Advised ASDP on policy, media strategy, coordinated staff, represented ASDP in policy implementation, and was chief editor of technical and written materials.
Public Affairs Specialist at U.S. Department of Energy
August 31, 1990 - September 4, 2025Represented multiple DOE offices as spokesperson. Managed media relations, developed materials, liaised with senior officials and field offices, organized news conferences and coordinated news coverage.
Chief of Staff at Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation
June 30, 1989 - September 4, 2025Served as Chief of Staff for FRA within the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Deputy Press Secretary at U.S. Senator Dan Quayle
February 28, 1988 - September 4, 2025Supported press and communications as Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Dan Quayle.
Press Secretary at U.S. Senate Candidate Raymond Shamie
November 30, 1984 - September 4, 2025Managed press activities as Press Secretary during the candidate's campaign.
Press Secretary at U.S. Congressman Hal Sawyer
January 31, 1985 - September 4, 2025Handled press secretary duties for U.S. Congressman Hal Sawyer.
News Reporter at WKZO-TV and WTWN Radio, Grand Rapids, Michigan
January 31, 1982 - September 4, 2025Worked as a news reporter at WKZO-TV and WTWN Radio in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Principal and Senior Vice President/General Manager of East Coast Office at CK Communications and Matrix Consultants
May 1, 2002 - PresentDeliver full communications consulting services including public relations, media relations, marketing, website and SharePoint management, event marketing, strategic planning, materials development, editing, writing, and business development. Serve businesses, organizations, and federal agencies across numerous industries providing integrated marketing communications.
Director of Communications and Marketing at MSU College of Law
March 31, 2024 - September 4, 2025Developed and implemented internal and external communications and marketing strategies targeting diverse audiences. Built brand visibility through digital and print communications, managed public relations, social media, advertising, graphics, and website updates. Developed a strategic communications plan for the law school.
Vice President at MarkIT Results
May 1, 2002 - September 4, 2025Led public relations, marketing, and strategic planning for a full-service marketing communications agency focused on IT companies. Served as the lead consultant for major clients and spearheaded new business development efforts.
Vice President/Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Rainmaker Interactive
August 31, 2000 - September 4, 2025Provided the full range of public relations, marketing, and strategic planning services to a diverse client portfolio including Starbucks and US West. Managed new business development and internal promotional initiatives for the firm and predecessor companies.
Account Supervisor/Head of the Public Relations Department at Earle Palmer Brown
January 31, 1998 - September 4, 2025Directed communications programs for corporate and association clients, served as public relations strategist and spokesperson. Managed government relations planning and authored various communications materials. Responsible for creating new business pitches and generating media interest for the agency.
Communications Director at U.S. Senator Christopher S. "Kit" Bond
May 31, 1996 - September 4, 2025Directed the Senator's communications program and served as official spokesperson with national and Missouri media. Provided media strategy and advised legislative priorities, coordinated public affairs and outreach, and managed a four-person communications staff.
Senior Associate at Robinson, Lake, Lerer & Montgomery/Sawyer Miller Group
August 31, 1994 - September 4, 2025Specialized in corporate, media and financial relations, and public affairs. Provided strategic counsel, managed crisis communications, government relations, and employee communications. Created communications materials, corporate videos, and served as media liaison.
Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs at U.S. Department of Energy
January 31, 1993 - September 4, 2025Oversaw operations of the Office of Defense Programs, acted as chief liaison with DOE headquarters and field operations. Advised on policy, political and media strategy, coordinated staff activities, and represented the Assistant Secretary in policy implementation and issue resolution.
Public Affairs Specialist at U.S. Department of Energy
August 31, 1990 - September 4, 2025Represented multiple DOE offices as chief spokesperson, handling media relations, developing materials, liaising with senior officials and field offices, strategizing issue management, organizing news conferences and coordinating news coverage.
Chief of Staff at Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
June 30, 1989 - September 4, 2025Chief of Staff for the FRA, managing operations and staff functions.
Deputy Press Secretary at U.S. Senator Dan Quayle
February 1, 1988 - September 4, 2025Deputy Press Secretary supporting communications and press activities for U.S. Senator Dan Quayle.
Press Secretary at U.S. Senate Candidate Raymond Shamie
November 30, 1984 - September 4, 2025Press Secretary for Senate candidate during the campaign.
Press Secretary at U.S. Congressman Hal Sawyer
January 31, 1985 - September 4, 2025Managed press and communications for U.S. Congressman Hal Sawyer.
News Reporter at WKZO-TV and WTWN Radio, Grand Rapids, Michigan
January 31, 1982 - September 4, 2025Reported news for television and radio stations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Principal, CK Communications and Senior Vice President/General Manager of East Coast Office at Matrix Consultants
May 1, 2002 - November 25, 2025Provide the full range of communications consulting services including public relations, media relations, marketing, Website/SharePoint management, event marketing, strategic planning, materials development, editing/writing and business development to businesses, organizations and Federal agencies across diverse sectors; lead internal and external communications initiatives and deliver integrated marketing communications for California-based Matrix Consultants.
Director of Communications and Marketing at MSU College of Law
March 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024Developed and implemented internal and external communications and marketing strategies; created and executed initiatives targeting diverse audiences; built brand visibility through digital and print communications; planned content strategy, public relations, brand management, marketing, social media, advertising, graphics, and website updates; developed a strategic communications plan.
Vice President at MarkIT Results
May 1, 2002 - May 1, 2002Led public relations, marketing and strategic planning programs for this full-service, integrated marketing communications agency focused on information technology companies; served as lead consultant for multiple clients and drove new business development.
Vice President/Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Rainmaker Interactive
August 1, 2000 - August 1, 2000Executive in PR and Marketing for Rainmaker Interactive, providing full spectrum public relations, marketing and strategic planning to a broad client base; supported internal promotions and PR initiatives and led new business development.
Account Supervisor/Head of the Public Relations Department at Earle Palmer Brown
January 31, 1998 - January 31, 1998Directed communications programs for corporate and association clients; served as PR strategist and spokesperson; crafted programs, coordinated government relations planning, and edited/wrote a wide array of materials; pitched new business as part of an integrated agency team.
Communications Director at U.S. Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond
May 1, 1996 - May 1, 1996Directed the Senator’s communications program; official spokesperson with national and Missouri media; advised on legislative priorities and public affairs operations; managed a staff of four and coordinated field communications.
Senior Associate at Robinson, Lake, Lerer & Montgomery/Sawyer Miller Group
August 31, 1994 - August 31, 1994Specialized in corporate, media and financial relations; provided strategic counsel, crisis and public affairs planning; developed client messages and communications materials; edited and produced a corporate video.
Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (ASDP) at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
January 31, 1993 - January 31, 1993Oversaw operations of the Office of Defense Programs; advised the ASDP; coordinated headquarters/field staff; developed policy, media strategy, and editorial materials; served as chief editor of technical writings.
Public Affairs Specialist at U.S. Department of Energy
August 1, 1990 - August 1, 1990Spokesperson for DOE offices; managed media relations and materials development; organized news conferences and interviews; coordinated coverage for senior officials.
Chief of Staff at Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation
June 30, 1989 - June 30, 1989Led staff and operations; supported agency communications and policy initiatives.
Deputy Press Secretary at U.S. Senator Dan Quayle
February 1, 1988 - February 1, 1988Served as deputy press secretary supporting communications and media outreach.
Press Secretary at U.S. Senate Candidate Raymond Shamie
November 1, 1984 - November 1, 1984Led campaign communications and media outreach.
Press Secretary at U.S. Congressman Hal Sawyer
January 31, 1985 - January 31, 1985Managed press relations and communications for congressional office.
News Reporter at WKZO-TV and WTWN Radio
January 31, 1982 - January 31, 1982News reporting roles in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Education
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science, Journalism and Political Science
January 11, 2030 - September 4, 2025Bachelor of Science, Journalism and Political Science
January 11, 2030 - September 4, 2025Bachelor of Science, Double Major in Journalism and Political Science
January 11, 2030 - November 25, 2025Industry Experience
Government, Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Non-Profit Organization
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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