Team

  • Karen Dahl

    PARTNER

    Karen is a decisive leader with expertise in developing and executing communications strategy, building and sustaining complex partnerships, creating new initiatives, and improving internal operations. She has a unique ability to formulate creative solutions to longstanding challenges and evaluate impact. Karen is committed to transparency and equity in communication, policy, and programming. She builds trust through a human-first approach.

    Most recently, Karen was appointed by President Biden to serve as Senior Advisor for COVID-19 at AmeriCorps, the Federal agency for service and volunteering. During her tenure, she oversaw the agency’s response to the pandemic, and created and drove execution of Public Health AmeriCorps, a $400 million partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through which thousands of AmeriCorps members are serving the public health needs of communities across the country.

    Previously, Karen held several leadership roles in communications, people, and operations at Guild Education, Entangled Group, Cities of Service, Curriculum Associates, and Jumpstart for Young Children. She was part of the communications teams for President Clinton and Vice President Gore, and was a researcher and associate producer for NBC News.

    A proud AmeriCorps VISTA alumna, Karen mentors undergraduates through UConn’s Women’s Leadership Collaborative and teaches English conversation classes through the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs. She advises nonprofits and start-ups and volunteers in NYC public schools in a variety of roles.

    Karen's writing has been published in Readers Digest and is included in The Best Life Stories: 150 Real-life Tales of Resilience, Joy, and Hope. She holds a master's degree in education from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree in English and French from the University of Connecticut.

  • Brian Reich

    PARTNER

    Brian is a strategist and speechwriter for executive leaders at global brands, media companies, startups, nonprofits, political, and advocacy organizations. He speaks regularly on the impact of media and technology on society and gives keynote speeches on these and other topics for major conferences and events. 

    Brian currently serves as Director of Speechwriting at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He was appointed by President Biden to oversee and execute messaging for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other Administration officials.

    Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Branding and Marketing for Murmuration, an education organization that uses data and technology to advocate for change. Prior to that, he led communications strategy for United Bid 2026, the team responsible for bringing the World Cup to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Brian was founding Director of the Hive, a data science innovation lab at the UN Refugee Agency (USA for UNHCR). He has also held communication leadership roles at Viacom, REVOLT TV, and Edelman, and was briefing director for Vice President Al Gore.

    Brian is the author of three books: The Imagination Gap, Shift & Reset, and Media Rules!. His work and views have been published in the New York Times, Wired, AdAge, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. He has provided analysis on NPR and Fox News and been an expert contributor for Fast Company. He taught consumer behavior and marketing strategy at The George Washington University and Columbia University, and was the National Fan Ambassador for USA Curling.

    Brian serves as an advisor to nonprofits and start-ups. He attended the University of Michigan and holds a bachelors degree in political science from Columbia University.

Testimonials

  • "Karen brings this amazing blend of creativity and imagination combined with brutal pragmatism that I have rarely encountered."

    — Meg A.

  • "Brian is excellent at developing media strategies and communicating effectively with a wide audience."

    — Phoebe P.

  • "Karen played a critical role in elevating the organization's profile, recruited great talent for the team, and managed external vendors and partners who helped us accomplish our mission."

    — Myung L.

  • "Businesses, communities and ultimately lives are changed because of Brian's insights and actions."

    — Doug W.

  • "I learned so much from Karen about creating and preserving an organization's brand, telling its story, and elevating its profile."

    —Deb J.

  • "Brian is creative, strategic, and goes all out, every time. He's fun to work with, tireless, and an asset to any team, project, or company lucky enough to have him."

    — Shayna E.

  • "Karen is an excellent functional leader in operations and communications, and an excellent people manager who inspires loyalty, autonomy, and belonging."

    —Amanda S.

  • "Brian gave us the confidence we needed to move forward in new territory."

    — Joseph P.