Meet Karen Tomasik, Communications Coordinator for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She brings a wealth of experience to her first civilian position, having served more than two decades in the U.S. Air Force. Much of this veteran’s military service was focused on public affairs, communications and training and development – skills that bode well for her budding university career.
Job Responsibilities:
Karen researches, compiles, fact checks, writes, edits and vets content for a variety of internal communication products, including leadership emails, the daily Cornerstone faculty and staff newsletter, weekly Cornerstone student newsletter and others messages as required.
In addition, she translates complex issues into more clearly understood messages to improve understanding and internal support of UAF’s mission and goals, and to generate public support for the university. She also serves as a member of the UAF emergency public information team to assist with crisis communication or issues.
Hometown: Orient, Ohio
Education:
Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma with graduation Spring 2024 after Capstone completion.
Associates of Applied Sciences in Public Affairs, Community College of the Air Force
How does membership in PRSA assist you?
I am very new to PRSA as a member, but in the time I’ve joined I have attended several webinars to help broaden my knowledge in areas I did not work as closely in while I served in Air Force public affairs. I have found it very beneficial to seeing where my skills have aligned well, and where I have been able to expand in areas that I personally had not developed as much earlier in my career.
Have you volunteered, or are you currently volunteering, in support of the Alaska Chapter?
My local committee contact has reached out to bring me in with assisting with some development opportunities such as connecting with public affairs officers in the area. I’ve really just gotten settled into my position at UAF so am starting to have the time to get more involved in more things with PRSA.