Kathleen Lucente, CEO and Founder, Red Fan Communications With over 30 years navigating the tech industry's most transformative moments, Kathleen Lucente helps CMOs scale their communications strategies to match their companies' rapid growth. Her clients span the country—from Series B startups to billion-dollar companies positioning for their next milestone—all seeking the senior-level strategic counsel that has become her hallmark. Starting as a tech journalist before transitioning to PR, Kathleen has guided both Fortune 500 companies and emerging startups through pivotal challenges—from global telecommunications evolution and major M&A activity to crisis management during 9/11 and the SARS outbreak. Her career spans leadership roles at IBM, JPMorgan, and Ketchum Worldwide before founding Red Fan Communications in Austin during the city's emergence as a premier tech hub. Known for her ability to think critically under pressure and deliver results when stakes are highest, Kathleen and her team specialize in helping companies clarify their purpose, differentiate from competitors, and build lasting stakeholder relationships through strategic storytelling. Their approach combines deep industry expertise with exceptional client management, providing the kind of senior counsel typically reserved for the C-suite. Beyond client work, Kathleen actively contributes to Austin's business community, serving on multiple boards including the BBB Foundation for Better Business and supporting local nonprofits like the ABC Kite Festival.