Karen Nardozza, President

I launched my career in the midst of a recession twenty years ago, and quickly learned the advantages of being flexible, responsive, and putting myself in the company of the best and brightest. Those practices, and my focus on providing effective, strategically sound programs that grow business, have earned me a reputation for cutting through the confusion and getting results for my clients.

I specialize in strategic marketing, and have expertise in brand development, advertising, web and new media, PR, sales and business operations. I have worked with clients across a broad range of industries, including agriculture, financial and professional services, technology, food and beverage, entertainment, education, government and nonprofit.

I founded Nardozza + Associates in 2007 to support small businesses and nonprofits. In our recent recession, my clients are relying on me more than ever to generate revenue, and put systems in place to help them be more disciplined about sales and marketing into the future. One of my first opportunities turned out to be putting my 10+ years of ad agency expertise and business acumen to work for TMDcreative, where as Managing Director I helped build the brand and internal teams of this small agency.

Previously, I owned Full Steam Marketing & Design, where I took over the struggling agency with another employee and turned it around over four years, nearly doubling revenues. Prior, I held senior management positions with Jack Morton Worldwide and iD8 Marketing, and account management positions with Fletcher Martin Ewing, Carroll/White Advertising and Fountainhead Advertising—all in Atlanta.

I’m a Salinas High and Hartnell College graduate, and I hold a B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento. I returned to Salinas in 2002 to put down roots in the place I always considered home, and am delighted my husband, Brad, has fallen in love with Salinas too.

I enjoy giving back to our community by volunteering time and donating professional services to local causes dear to me. When I’m not working, you might see me out and about sipping wine, walking the dog, running a few miles or hiking the Ft. Ord hills with friends.

Community Service
- Salinas Community YMCA, Board of Managers
- Rotary Club of Salinas, Board of Directors
- Salinas Valley Half Marathon, Founder and Board Chair

Awards + Recognition
- Entrepreneur of the Year, Union Bank of California (2006)
- COG of the Year, Rotary Club of Salinas (2005-2006)
- Distinguished Rotarian, Rotary Club of Salinas (2006-2007)
- Distinguished Rotarian, Rotary Club of Salinas (2009-2010)