Kathleen Funke

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Hi! I’m Kathleen

I’m a marketing and communications strategist with 15+ years of experience in forestry, natural resources, and clean energy. After over 3 years working in freelance, I am excited to return to a mission-focused team.

On this page, I’ve curated some information to help you understand my qualification and expertise for the Marketing Director role.

Contact:

kathleenmfunke@gmail.com |

902-292-2476

Profile

  • 15+ years in marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Deep expertise in forestry, natural resources, and clean energy sectors.

  • Strategic leader experienced in campaign creation and performance measurement.

  • Skilled digital marketer, web designer, and social media content creator.

  • Skilled media relations professional and seasoned spokesperson.

  • Proven track record working with Indigenous governments and communities.

  • Strong background reporting to CEOs and Boards.

  • Experienced team manager with a focus on mentorship and growth.

Notable Experience

With 15 years of experience in corporate marketing and communications, I have successfully developed and implemented strategic campaigns that drive brand awareness and engagement. Below are some notable positions I have held that illustrate my expertise and achievements in this field.

  • 2021 - Present

    Partnered with over a dozen organizations—many in forestry, natural resources, and clean energy—to develop branding, marketing strategies, and impactful campaigns. Led content creation across web, social, and email, while aligning messaging with strategic goals and performance metrics. Specialized in stakeholder engagement, including Indigenous governments and industry partners.

  • 2020 - 2021

    Oversaw all internal and external communications for a leading renewable energy company who partners with Indigenous organizations to build renewable energy projects.
    In this role, I led a full organization rebrand creation and implementation. I also managed media relations, acted as spokesperson, and created high-impact campaigns to build public trust and stakeholder support. I regularly briefed executives and supported government and community relations efforts in Canadian communities from coast to coast.

  • 2013-2018

    Reporting to the CEO, I led public relations, stakeholder communications, and strategic messaging for this high-profile regulatory body. I created strategies and supported complex projects with a focus on transparency, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous engagement. Reported directly to senior leadership and made regular presentations to the Board of Direectors, and contributed to intergovernmental initiatives and crisis communications.

Case Studies

  • CBC PROFILE Piece - for Natural Forces

    When Natural Forces partnered with the Neqotkuk First Nation to build a new wind farm, I developed and executed a targeted earned media strategy to amplify the story.

    I identified key media outlets, researched relevant journalists, crafted compelling pitches, and coordinated interviews with both Natural Forces’ leadership and Chief Ross Perley. The result? Thoughtful, high-visibility coverage that centered Indigenous leadership and celebrated sustainable development.

    Read Full Story on CBC.ca

  • White Paper - ACFOR Restorative Forestry

    As ACFOR underwent a full rebrand, they needed a compelling piece of content that could both educate and convert. With no existing sales materials in place, I stepped in to bridge the gap.

    I researched dense, technical forestry content and transformed it into a clear, engaging whitepaper tailored to their target audience. I handled everything—from writing and structuring the content to designing a professional layout in Canva. The result was a polished, brand-aligned asset that supported ACFOR’s sales strategy and positioned them as leaders in restorative forestry.

    View White Paper

Why Hire me?

My interest in this work is deeply rooted (pun intended) both professionally and personally. I’ve spent years immersed in the forestry and natural resources space, supporting clients and shaping communications that reflect the complexity and importance of the sector. But beyond that, it’s personal. My family includes woodlot owners and forestry experts, so I’ve seen firsthand the care, stewardship, and responsibility that sustainable forest management requires.

I believe strategic forest management isn’t optional—it’s essential to Canada’s sustainable future. And I’m passionate about using communications as a tool to support the people and policies making that future possible

Copyright 2025, Kathleen Funke | Contact Information: 902-292-2476 | kathleenmfunke@gmail.com |