Hi, I’m Karen. Nice to meet you.

Karen Thornsvard Hitchcock Marketing Consultant

I have 25+ years experience building successful marketing programs for rapid growth startups and young companies across a variety of industries. While working for small organizations on tight budgets poses unique challenges, I find it incredibly rewarding. The perfect workplace or project is one that demands creativity, flexibility, and experimentation.

For clients, I can lead strategic discussions and “roll up my sleeves” and get the work done. I have experience in most of the marketing stack, including: brand development, graphic/web/app design, public relations, marketing operations, lead generation, product positioning, sales, and more.

My experience spans the non-profit, academic, and business sectors with a recent concentration in healthcare and health tech.

Let’s chat.
karen @ citrus-marketing.com

“Karen is a master (mistress) of both creativity and collaboration. She is a savvy, thoughtful, inventive, intuitive designer, a dedicated problem-solver—and a joy to work with. I could not have imaged a better experience...or a better outcome.”
— Lauren Kessler, Award-Winning Author

Example Engagements

  • Interim marketing and communication leadership roles

  • Employee/team development

  • Strategic consulting - positioning, value proposition, go-to-market, SEO, lead generation

  • Brand building workshops

  • Logo and web design

  • Special event design & management

Lauren Kessler Author Client for Karen Hitchcock
Karen Hitchcock Vera Pizza

I believe business is personal.

I really like learning about my clients and their passions outside of work. On that note, here are some of my personal passions. Or, maybe they’re my quirks; you decide!

I love to pour over my Strava stats after a painfully slow bike ride, always expecting them to be better.

I love to set off the fire alarm because the pizza is perfect somewhere between dough and ball-of-fire. However, since sending myself to pizza chef school in Naples, Italy in Februrary 2023, I’m closer to striking the right balance.

I like to build or paint stuff. Whenever possible, I channel my creativity into large, messy projects.

Below are a few other random images that may serve as fun conversation starters.

Overheard on LinkedIn
To read more recommendations, visit my LinkedIn Profile.

“Karen’s passion shines bright. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with her since 2017. With her support, guidance and trust my confidence has grown and my dreams are big. Karen’s ability to show humility, lead with empathy, and inspire all are just a few examples of her solid leadership skills. Her vision helped remind everyone of the big picture and her influence made all feel important as we worked toward shared goals. As a team member, Karen earns my highest recommendation – I will sure miss working with her!”

— Stephanie McCutchin, Former Employee (Care Wisconsin)
Owner, Sakom Massage & Wellness

“I would highly recommend Karen as a Creative Director and Marketing Guru. We gave Karen the hard job of revamping our website and corporate brand messaging with loose information and sky-high expectations. She totally delivered and remained professional even though we put her through the wringer with multiple revision cycles. I would love to work with her again someday!”

— Meaghan Nicholson, Former Client (Wellbe)
Marketing Manager, Suttle Straus

Karen is an excellent strategic marketer and creative brand builder. I worked with her in the healthcare technology industry, where she was a pioneer in creating a unique, whimsical brand identity before it was the "cool" thing to do. I personally witnessed her collaborative and thoughtful approach turn a vague idea into something that truly captured the attention of our market.

In addition to building the brand, she was able to create and execute lead generation campaigns through unique events. Our company had consistently high private event attendance by c-suite executives at premier healthcare technology events, where getting attention was always difficult. These events allowed our employees to develop stronger relationships with existing and future customers.

I would bring Karen on to any new project I was working on without any hesitation. She would be an asset to any company looking to differentiate their brand.

— Tyler Marklein, Director of Revenue Operations at Leapros
& Former colleague at healthfinch

Talking Points

  • Pepe in Grani in Caiazzo, Italy

    Starstruck! Chef Franco Peppe

    Chef Franco Peppe is the star of one episode of Netflx’s Chef’s Table Pizza. I’ll hold on to this memory forever.

  • Lake Superior Back Country

    Superior Morning

    This is just the beginning of a painting, but I hesitate to go any further. On a solo backcountry camping trip, I had a special moment with the sun rising over Lake Superior.

  • North Carolina BikeFeset

    In Bikes We Trust

    For the past two years I’ve volunteered to serve as the designer/marketer for a non-profit bike club in North Carolina. This club has been a great way to meet people in a new town.

  • Triangle ArtWorks SMASH 23

    Artists in Action

    In my free time, I volunteer for an organization that helps support working artists with education and business programs. Triangle Artworks