KAREN HICKS

Founder, CEO
karen@civixstrategygroup.com

As an internationally regarded strategist and manager, Karen Hicks has designed and run national and state based campaigns that combine a winning strategy with a plan to build lasting power through leadership and skill development.  Hicks designed and ran the large-scale consumer outreach and engagement campaign, “Covering New Hampshire,” to enroll uninsured residents in the Health Benefits Marketplace and Medicaid.  The multi-channel campaign won national recognition as one of the most effective in the country. 

Hicks has run and had leadership positions on electoral campaigns, including multiple Presidential, statewide and local campaigns.  In 2008, Hicks served as a Senior Advisor to Senator Hillary Clinton with a focus on the early nominating states.  In 2004, Hicks served as the Field Director for the Kerry Campaign and oversaw the campaign’s $80 million grassroots mobilization effort in the battleground states.  In 2005, Hicks advised British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Labour Party as they sought and won a historic third term, primarily advising the Party on organization building efforts, voter targeting, as well as design and implementation of a voter contact plan.

In addition to the numerous statewide and local political races, Hicks has extensive policy experience at the state level.  She served as Governor Jeanne Shaheen’s Health Policy Advisor for 3 years and as the Director for Policy at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.  Hicks also served as Executive Director of New Hampshire Citizen Action and has worked with dozens of progressive organizations to strengthen planning, advocacy, and organizing capacity.

Hicks serves on the board for Community Catalyst and Chair for Community Catalyst Action Fund.