About Karen

Karen Rayl Bassham has been in the communications field for more than 25 years, in corporate, agency and independent consulting environments. She received her B.A. degree in Communications and her master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which included, organizational behavior, training and career counseling. 

Karen has experience in every aspect of public relations, including writing/editing, media relations, event management, issues management, community relations/contributions, publications management and employee communications. Her clients scan many industry sectors, including financial, energy, telecommunications, academic and transportation. A sample of clients/employers includes Cooksey Communications, Sprint, NORTEL Networks (Northern Telecom), Comerica Bank-Texas, Bank One and Carter Financial Management.

She began working independently in 1993 and also taught English Composition, Public Speaking and Career Development part-time at DeVry University as an adjunct professor. In 1998, she and David Bassham formed a communications, training and consulting firm.

Karen worked as Account Manager with Cooksey Communications from 2005-2006 with clients including Devon Energy, University of Dallas, 35W Coalition, Frontiers of Flight Museum and others. She now has renewed her communications consulting business as Rayl Communications. Currently, she is specializing in special writing projects on topics in self development, professional development, retirement lifestyle, women’s strength, and much more. She is helping clients in using social networking (FaceBook, Twitter, etc.) to inexpensively expand their marketing communications.

Involvement:

• International Association of Business Communicators. Past President - Dallas Chapter; member since 1986; held various other board positions. Redesigned Job Bank, initiated first freelance directory, Communicators Career Connection and Professional Communicators Database.
• International Association of Business Communicators. Past President - Fort Worth Chapter; member since 1981, held various other board positions.
• Public Relations Society of America, member since 1990.
• American Society of Training & Development, member 2001-2004.
• Citizens Development Center, Dallas, TX – 2003-2004. Provided pro bono public relations services.
• Center for Nonprofit Management, Dallas, TX – 2002-2004. Provided pro bono training services.

Communicators Awards:

• Community leader forum event
• Press conference media kit
• Community awareness program
• Major announcement communications plan

MarCom Creative Awards:

• Civic/nonprofit communications plan
• Corporate ad campaign
• Brochure development

IABC Bronze Quill Awards:

• Writing
• Publication Management