What should you know about me?
First, I’m a word person: a published author, meticulous editor, voracious reader, and all-around lover of a good story well-told. I'm also a big-picture creative thinker, and I get especially jazzed about dreaming up new ideas and running with them—whether that's an ad concept, book idea, story angle, or a fresh product spun from existing IP. I have more than two decades of editorial, brand marketing, and creative leadership experience across a variety of companies, where I'm known for my relationship building (and also my sense of fun). I've worked for independent publishers, an international game company, a major public university, and my own business. I'm proud of many things in my career, but nothing more than my ability to nurture and lead healthy, happy and productive teams.
Content has evolved since I hit the work force as an eager English major, and I've evolved with it. As traditional publishing changed, I acquired and developed innovative lines of products that could sell in markets beyond bookstores. In other brand-focused companies, I’ve executed a myriad of digital, print and video content. And I’ve shaped UW’s storytelling at a pivotal time that included high-profile initiatives like The Boys in the Boat movie and a comprehensive new brand refresh.
What has remained the same over my many years of experience is that good content has the power to engage people, make them feel something, and that's the essential first step toward whatever you want to happen next.
My love of storytelling started in elementary school and has never abated. I’m endlessly curious about people and the stories that matter to them. I've written and published books on topics ranging from breakup revenge to parenting, from cocktails to why we all seem to love Canada. I ended up marrying my Canadian co-author in San Francisco; together we moved to Merida, Mexico and to London, England, with our two children and our adaptable golden retriever. After three years of ex-pat adventures we returned to our hundred-year-old house in Seattle, though we still (like our dog) really miss the pubs.
Favorite books (of late):
Writers and Lovers by Lily King
Still Life by Sarah Winman
Testimonials
“Kerry leads creative teams with clear vision and direction, with abundance of ideas and spirit, and with that rare gift to see and develop the skills of each person on her team. As Executive Editor at Chronicle Books, Kerry created an editorial team that delivered great products with outstanding results, and that enjoyed working together in the process. The spirit and smarts that she brought to work continues to inspire me in my own leadership.”
Christina Amini
Publisher, Gift Division
Chronicle Books
“Kerry is a constant source of big ideas and smart brand thinking. She can take any brand and come up with endless ideas to make it shine across a vast range of touchpoints. She has the perfect mix of strategic vision, business acumen, and on-point editorial and creative execution. She is a terrific leader and an absolute delight to work with—collaborative, focused, and fun! If you have a brand with unique IP and untapped potential, you need Kerry!”
Catherine Carr
Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer
Vitamin C Creative
“As lead for many cross-functional projects, Kerry combines creativity with careful attention to detail and a collaborative spirit. She balances a communication style that fosters new ideas and open dialogue with decisiveness and comfort in making tough calls when needed. Her leadership inspires confidence and drives excellence, making her indispensable to any team.”
Jaime Garrand
Associate Director of Creative Operations
University of Washington
“Kerry’s storytelling skills are vast and multifaceted. Whether pulling the best out of authors, shaping manuscripts, or inspiring her staff with her creativity and ability to turn a phrase, collaborating with Kerry is not only loads of fun but also produces exceptional results.”