Katie May

Background

About Katie May

My career in communications and marketing spans 15+ years, with extensive experience in brand, field, digital marketing, public relations and social media. While earning my bachelor’s degree in finance and communications from Valparaiso University, I began my professional journey as an intern at JLL, where I discovered a passion for commercial real estate. Over the years, I advanced into national and global roles at JLL, working across two continents and serving as a trusted strategic adviser to teams in the retail, hospitality, and financial services industries. I became known for my ability to generate creative solutions that broke through roadblocks, driving success with energy, expertise, and innovation. After more than a decade in commercial real estate, I decided to align my career with my personal passion for animal welfare. Today, I serve as the Head of Program Engagement and Communications at PAWS Chicago, one of the nation’s leading no-kill animal shelters. In this role, I oversee all marketing, communications, and public relations efforts, combining my strategic expertise with my dedication to creating a better world for animals. I lead impactful campaigns that engage the community, advance PAWS’ mission, and drive meaningful change. Outside of work, you’ll find traveling the world in search of new adventures and trying to perfect my sourdough recipe. SPECIALTIES: Strategic Planning | Media Relations | Brand Journalism | Executive Positioning | Integrated Marketing Communications | Internal Communications | Tradeshow Logistics | Event Sponsorship | Social Media | Video Production | Public Speaking Preparation SKILLS: Proficient in Spanish (aspiring Portuguese speaker)| Media Monitoring tools: Cision, VOCUS, LexisNexis, Dow Jones, Radian6, Hootsuite | Video Production Tools: Adobe Premier, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Visual Scribe | Search Engine Optimization (SEO)| AP Style | Microsoft Office Suite | Active presence on: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+