Lisa Sommer King, President
Lisa Sommer King has 16 years of experience working in nonprofit communication with a strong knowledge base of the K-12 and higher education sectors. Her experiences include working in the areas of media relations, branding, social media, advocacy, market research and event planning. Lisa has provided strategic PR counsel and project management to organizations in the nonprofit sector, higher education, food and beverage industry, retail industry, and healthcare. Through her consultancy she serves local, state and national organizations.
Currently, Lisa is the director of the American College Application Campaign at ACT's Center for Equity in Learning. Prior to joining ACT, King served local, state and national nonprofits and education institutions through Lisa King Consulting. Before starting her consultancy, Lisa served as the assistant director of the Michigan College Access Network. Before joining MCAN, Lisa was the public relations manager for the Michigan Nonprofit Association and an associate for Davis Brand Capital, a national brand consulting firm.
Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University where she studied Integrative Public Relations and Public Affairs. She recently completed her master's degree in strategic communication through Michigan State University. Lisa currently serves as a board member of Eastminster Child Development Center, is an emeritus board member of the Michigan Breastfeeding Network, is a founder of the CMU Volunteer Center Alumni chapter, and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
Lisa Sommer King has 16 years of experience working in nonprofit communication with a strong knowledge base of the K-12 and higher education sectors. Her experiences include working in the areas of media relations, branding, social media, advocacy, market research and event planning. Lisa has provided strategic PR counsel and project management to organizations in the nonprofit sector, higher education, food and beverage industry, retail industry, and healthcare. Through her consultancy she serves local, state and national organizations.
Currently, Lisa is the director of the American College Application Campaign at ACT's Center for Equity in Learning. Prior to joining ACT, King served local, state and national nonprofits and education institutions through Lisa King Consulting. Before starting her consultancy, Lisa served as the assistant director of the Michigan College Access Network. Before joining MCAN, Lisa was the public relations manager for the Michigan Nonprofit Association and an associate for Davis Brand Capital, a national brand consulting firm.
Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University where she studied Integrative Public Relations and Public Affairs. She recently completed her master's degree in strategic communication through Michigan State University. Lisa currently serves as a board member of Eastminster Child Development Center, is an emeritus board member of the Michigan Breastfeeding Network, is a founder of the CMU Volunteer Center Alumni chapter, and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
Professional Experience
|
Director, American College Application Campaign
November 2016 - current The American College Application Campaign is a national initiative of ACT's Center for Equity in Learning. ACAC is designed to increase the number of first-generation students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. Through her consultancy, Lisa directed the campaign's communication strategy starting in 2016 before being named director in 2020. |
|
Owner, Lisa King Consulting, LLC
December 2013 - June 2019 In late 2013, Lisa stepped into the world of nonprofit consulting and established Lisa King Consulting, LLC. She provided strategic communication and public relations services to local, state and national nonprofit clients. Clients included American College Application Campaign, Detroit College Access Network, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, Michigan AfterSchool Association, Michigan Breastfeeding Network, Michigan College Access Network, Michigan Promise Zone Association, and the National College Attainment Network. |
|
Consultant, Michigan College Access Network
November 2010 - June 2019 Lisa started her time with the Michigan College Access Network in 2010 as the Assistant Director. In 2013, she transitioned into a consultant role when she launched Lisa King Consulting. During her 10 years of service to MCAN, she led MCAN's communication, marketing, and technology strategies. Notably, she directed all statewide initiatives including the KnowHow2Go Michigan public awareness campaign and the college application campaign. She also coordinated and organized MCAN's now annual statewide conference growing it from a one-day event with 100 attendees in 2011 to a two-day event with 500+ attendees in 2019. |
|
Public Relations Manager, Michigan Nonprofit Association
November 2006 - November 2010 In this role, Lisa communicated with the media, policymakers and the public to promote understanding and awareness of the nonprofit sector, volunteerism, civic engagement, and MNA as the voice for the nonprofit sector. |
|
Associate, David Brand Capital (formerly Patrick Davis Partners)
October 2004 - November 2006 Davis Brand Capital is a national consulting firm that provides clarity on the complex positioning issues that drive brands, markets and media. Many of the nation's most recognized and respected companies turn to the firm for advice. |
Education
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
January 2017 - May 2021
Master's in Strategic Communication
Certificate in Digital Media
January 2017 - May 2021
Master's in Strategic Communication
Certificate in Digital Media
Michigan Nonprofit Leadership Institute (Detroit, MI)
September 2007 - March 2008
Emerging Leader graduate
September 2007 - March 2008
Emerging Leader graduate
Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI)
September 2000 - May 2004
Bachelor of Applied Arts
Major: Integrative Public Relations
Minor: Public Affairs and Dance
Specialized courses taken for Leadership Education and Development Program through CMU Leadership Institute
September 2000 - May 2004
Bachelor of Applied Arts
Major: Integrative Public Relations
Minor: Public Affairs and Dance
Specialized courses taken for Leadership Education and Development Program through CMU Leadership Institute
