Exceptional writer and editor, inquisitive problem solver, analytical project manager, compassionate leader, trusted teammate … those are just some of the roles Karen has filled for our Advancement Marketing team. And she’s simply one of the best I’ve ever worked with in each of those capacities. She has the ability to understand the big picture as well as to dive into the smallest detail. And she can employ that rare perspective to articulate nuanced and effective messaging even when she’s dealing with sensitive topics. Her career potential is unlimited.
—David Taylor, senior marketing director
Karen Risch Mott is clearly an emerging leader at JMU: fair-minded, visionary, a skillful communicator and great listener, driven. She is particularly adept at guiding timelines and keeping colleagues on task, as well as rolling up her sleeves to be incredibly productive on her own. She leads her working group co-chairs, and together they make for an excellent team who are setting a powerful example for the 125+ others working with the university’s task force. She's a flexible, can-do, attention-to-detail leader who would be an excellent addition to any team. I would welcome her on my team anytime.
—Charles T. May, Jr., retired U.S. Army colonel
I am so thankful to get to work with Karen almost every day. We have kicked ass together on several projects for Women for Madison. First and foremost, Karen is an amazing collaborator and project manager. She skillfully tunes in to the vision of a project, grasps the big picture, is able to focus in on all the micro details and then carries it all out beautifully. She is a workhorse and can both lead a project and/or participate behind the scenes very easily. When I assemble a team, I want Karen on that team! She is a true pleasure to work with!
—Cannie Campbell, assistant vice president for engagement
Karen was a key collaborator and leader on JMU’s Campus History Committee. As local and national media attention focused on historic named buildings, she quickly developed a professional, multi-pronged communication plan that enabled the committee to keep both the campus community and the general public informed. Moreover, she brought to the project her knowledge of decolonial scholarship and critical race theory. No matter how complicated the conversations got, she skillfully negotiated the terrain and helped us stay focused on our shared goals. What I’m saying is that, beyond her amazing creative talents (which are many), she is deeply ethical and caring, always professional, and a trusted colleague. I couldn’t have had a better partner.
—Margaret M. Mulrooney, associate vice provost
I am so glad Karen agreed to interrupt her career as a freelance writer to help me at the Furious Flower Poetry Center. Her contribution was not only essential but transformative. She was there for the necessary move of the center from the trailer in “the wilderness” to the Cardinal House, she helped coordinate the third Furious Flower Conference in 2014, and she was the prime mover in organizing for the acquisition of the Furious Flower Archive by the JMU Libraries. When she moved on, she carried her passion for the mission of Furious Flower with her, and for that I am eternally grateful.
—Joanne V. Gabbin, executive director
Karen is a dream: everything you hope for in a collaborator. She's an excellent listener and she hears what's important and has an uncanny ability to capture the author's voice and intentions on the page. Her work ethic is stunning and her ability to deliver high quality work on schedule is unsurpassed.
—Stephen Hanselman, literary agent
No one wears more superhero capes than Karen — and I witnessed her changing those costumes in mid-air, often for the benefit of those less fortunate. Over the years I’ve been able to call on her for just about anything, from providing publishing and writing expertise for the seven bestsellers I’ve written to joining my crew for the Badwater 135-mile Ultramarathon (the toughest footrace in the world according to Nat Geo) to helping me plan and promote my Survival to Thrival Tour. If she doesn't already know how to do something, she finds out then masters it at a blindingly fast speed.
—Frank McKinney, bestselling author, real estate artist, philanthro-capitalist, ultramarathoner, actor, speaker
In addition to possessing the essential talent for capturing a voice and turning in stellar prose, Karen's all-around professionalism makes her the best possible partner you could ever wish for. She listens carefully to what needs to be done and fulfills what is expected of her while always providing solutions where they are clearly needed, and she does so with great attitude, respect, clarity and creativity. She takes what is good and makes it infinitely better, and best of all, she delivers on time, without complaints, excuses or short cuts.
—Julia Serebrinsky, vice president of editorial development