OUR TEAM
The KGL family is made up of creative and innovative experts that are working together to build a varied, moral, and trustworthy organization with a primary focus on developing genuine collaborations through applicable and understandable communication.
LE BLANC
MITCHELL
MAYHEW
UNDERWOOD
MANALO
CURRAN
Karyn is the CEO and founder of KGL Communications, a full-service, woman-owned public relations firm she founded in 2019. KGL is based in Washington, D.C. but serves clients regionally and nationally with a special focus on government and transit. Karyn spent nearly a decade leading high profile communication and public relation efforts for the District of Columbia Department of Transportation and as the Director of Communications with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. While there she helped elevate the profile of both organizations with creativity, responsiveness and attention to detail.
Karyn brings more than 20 years of experience in public relations, creative and marketing strategies and brand influence in both the public and private sectors to the KGL team. Her speciality remains transportation, infrastructure and economic development in urban centers, where she is widely considered an expert in the field. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Montgomery and serves on the board of directors for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
DESTINÉE MITCHELL
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
As a Community Engagement Manager at KGL, Destineé Mitchell leads the community engagement team in developing equitable public engagement strategies, conducting qualitative and quantitative research for clients, and building community- focused programs to boost the local economy. Before joining KGL, Destineé worked to reduce achievement gaps in k-12 schools, community colleges, and universities across the United States. With over a decade of nonprofit program, event, and stakeholder management experience, she brings a combination of data and storytelling expertise to facilitate effective community engagement. A native of the DMV area, Destineé holds a master's degree in public administration with a concentration in public policy and management from Bowie State University. In her free time, she enjoys listening to her favorite podcasts and gardening.
HARPER MAYHEW
DIGITAL AND ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR
As a digital and account supervisor, Harper Mayhew brings her design expertise to support clients through a variety of digital and physical communications projects. With eight years of experience, she specializes in strategic and outcome driven design that elevates brand consistency, visibility, and recognition. She expertly utilizes her problem-solving skills and attention to detail to ensure the execution and success of all communication and design projects. Harper attended Towson University earning her bachelor’s degree in art and design with a focus in graphic design and a minor in mass communication. Prior to her role at KGL, she worked as a brand designer and communication specialist where she honed her design, communication, and organizational skills. In her free time, you can find Harper renovating her home with her Husband, traveling, or spending time with her family and dog.
CHRISTINA UNDERWOOD
SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR
Christina Underwood is KGL’s Senior Administrator. In this role, Christina is responsible for administrating human resources, financial reporting and auditing, budget projections, government certifications and more. Fueled by her passion for numbers, Christina skillfully interprets financial data to uncover valuable insights that drive the business forward. In addition to accounting, Christina also leverages her human resources background to uplift the employees of KGL, furthering the culture of inclusivity and defining the firm’s direction for continued growth. Originally from the DC metropolitan area, Christina attended Messiah College where she majored in Sociology. In her free time, Christina enjoys reading and spending time with her family and furry friends.
ABBYMANALO
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
As a Community Engagement Account Specialist at KGL, Abby Manalo assists in developing and executing inclusive engagement strategies across the DMV. She collaborates with her team to design outreach plans that blend both digital and in-person tactics, ensuring community involvement. Abby is skilled in managing social media profiles, utilizing CRM systems to track engagement, and analyzing data to assess the success of outreach efforts. A graduate of American University, Abby earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations & Strategic Communications with a minor in International Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, and passionately cheering on New York sports teams.
JOHN CURRAN
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
As an Account Supervisor for KGL, John Curran is responsible for leading the development and implementation of brand communications strategy, maintaining and maximizing relationships between clients and the media and more. John leverages his writing and media relations expertise to strategically maintain internal and external communication. Prior to joining KGL, John held positions as a community engagement coordinator, freelance writer and farm apprentice. John earned his bachelor's in communications arts from Hood College. Growing up, John lived in six different states, but considers Frederick, MD home. In his spare time, you’ll find John hiking, exploring the city or meeting a friend for a cup of coffee at The Coffee Bar.
CONTACT US
For more information, please fill in the form provided or give us a call. We would love to hear from you
202.497.4572
info@kglcommunications.com