Visionary Content Strategist and Executive Leader
Kate Carroll de Gutes is a dynamic executive leader with over 30 years of experience in content strategy, digital storytelling, and brand development. Known for creating award-winning B2B programs that elevate brand visibility and create user engagement, Kate has a proven track record of driving measurable success through creativity, collaboration, and strategic insight. Her career spans high-level leadership roles in major tech firms and public relations agencies, as well as a deep commitment to mentorship and fostering emerging voices in both business and literary communities.
As Vice President of Content Strategy and Editorial at Racepoint Global (RPG) from 2022 to 2024, Kate created a cohesive content strategy that significantly refined the agency’s voice. Under her leadership, Racepoint Global achieved an impressive 300% increase in agency awards and in just three months, she helped secure 292 feature articles for a new client that generated 223 million impressions. She spearheaded the launch of an agency blog series that spotlighted employee voices, resulting in a 210% increase in blog visits, a 167% increase in LinkedIn engagement, and a 236% surge in website impressions. Her work crafting powerful narratives and messaging strategies boosted the agency’s newsletter open and click-through rates by 119% year-over-year. At RPG, Kate also mentored early-career writers and improved overall writing quality and digital storytelling, while developing a culture of creative collaboration.
Before joining Racepoint Global, Kate held significant roles at leading tech companies, including a notable tenure at IBM. As part of her leadership at IBM, Kate designed and executed content strategies and led content teams for high-profile corporate initiatives, including the IBM Centennial Celebration and a revamp of the IBM IT infrastructure site. In the latter, her efforts led to a 243% traffic increase and earned her team a Platinum MarComm Award for Digital Design. During the IT infrastructure site overhaul, Kate managed global teams and collaborated with C-level executives to refine the business unit’s messaging, improve customer UX/UI design, and implement SEO optimization strategies that resulted in a Gold MarComm Award for Digital Media.
Kate’s entrepreneurial spirit is further exemplified through the founding and leadership of RiverComm Communications, Inc., where she served as President and CEO from 1997 to 2022. At RiverComm, she provided strategic counsel to some of the world’s most prominent tech brands, including Autodesk, Cisco, IBM, Intel, McAfee, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce.com, SAP, and Symantec. Under her leadership, RiverComm designed and executed multi-year, data-driven marketing programs that elevated brand awareness and drove significant market impact. Her work focused on crafting messaging, positioning, and content plans that ensured consistent brand alignment and measurable success across a wide-range of digital platforms and programs—from B2B to retail to channel marketing. Kate also managed global teams and led content strategies for international markets, including Latin America and India, while working with both Intel and IBM.
Kate is an accomplished writer. She is the author of two critically acclaimed books that have won multiple national and regional awards. She has received fellowships, and most recently an award from the Tanne Foundation allowing her to pursue research for a third book.
Kate is a passionate advocate for underrepresented voices. She was a co-creator and host of Incite: Queer Writers Read, in Portland, Oregon, for Oregon’s state arts organization. The long-running reading series centers LGBTQ writers and currently reaches audiences across the country. She is also an Advisory Council member of Storyknife, a writing residency dedicated to amplifying the voices of women writers.
Kate’s passion for mentoring is further reflected in her work with emerging writers: she has been a keynote speaker at a number of writers’ conferences, and has developed and taught writing courses at various public and private colleges and universities around the country. Kate also serves as mentor to several young LGBTQ tech and PR employees who have gone on to stellar careers at places such as Google and Boston College.
Kate’s expertise extends beyond writing and strategy. She is highly skilled in problem-solving and finding innovative ways to generate funding for causes. As well as serving as emcee for the event, Kate sits on the board of Literary Giants, the annual fundraiser for Shelter House, an Iowa City nonprofit that provides safe shelter and helps people improve the quality of their lives as they move beyond houselessness. She helped the in-house event team change their strategy for attracting and securing donations. The result was a 48% increase in donations year-over-year.
Kate is a seasoned leader who brings creative energy and strategic vision to every project, driving results while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Kate holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a Bachelor of Arts in English, with an emphasis in Writing, from the University of Puget Sound. Her mission statement is “To Make Every Day Count,” reflecting her commitment to making a lasting impact in both her professional and personal life. With her extensive experience, strategic acumen, and dedication to fostering collaboration and inclusivity, Kate Carroll de Gutes is a highly sought-after executive leader and advisor.
Character
Kate Carroll de Gutes is a passionate and inclusive leader who is committed to empowering others through mentorship and advocating for underrepresented voices in both the world of business and the literary community.
Knowledge
With over 30 years of experience in content strategy, digital storytelling, and brand development, Kate has a deep understanding of how to craft data-driven campaigns and elevate brand visibility across industries.
Strategic
Kate excels at developing multi-year, results-focused strategies that drive measurable growth, from increasing traffic and engagement to securing high-profile media coverage and boosting client retention.
Communication
A skilled storyteller, Kate communicates complex ideas with clarity and creativity, refining company messages to resonate with target audiences and inspire action through various digital and traditional channels
