Clients & Testimonials

Consulting Clients

  • Hands On Sign Interpreted Performances Inc.
  • Learning Leaders
  • Oneida Indian Nation
  • Sesame Workshop (Sesame Street)
  • The After-School Corporation (TASC)
  • The College of New Rochelle
  • The Trust for Public Land
  • Wildlife Conservation Society

 

Testimonials

Consulting

"Karen Caruso consulted with Sesame Workshop as an Interim Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and on special projects.  She is a strategic thinker, an excellent writer and editor, a good communicator, and extremely organized.  Karen provided support and counsel for major asks while keeping up with a full load of proposal and reporting deadlines.  She collaborated frequently and developed close working relationships with program staff.  In addition, Karen worked to strengthen the staffing of our Philanthropic Development Department by recommending additional positions, writing job descriptions, interviewing prospective candidates, and coaching new employees.  Plus she has a good sense of humor.  It was great to have Karen on our team, and I would hire her again."

Jaime Greenberg, VP for External Affairs, New Visions for Public Schools (former VP, Philanthropic Development, Sesame Workshop)

“With you at the Workshop, I walked into an extremely organized operation and got up to speed quickly on the new job.  You were invaluable to me and I think of you often (as in “I wish she was still here.”)

Patrick Key, Vice President of Development, Sesame Workshop

“At the Wildlife Conservation Society, I brought Karen Caruso in to provide interim support for our Major Gifts department while the Director’s position was vacant. During her eight months with us, Karen managed roughly $1.3 million in year-end and spring asks to our Trustees, Advisors and other major donors for general operating support.  In sum, Karen saved our bacon at WCS and provided professional, thoughtful, competent help in getting through a big load of work. The dollars on the bottom line really showed that we were able to execute without a Director of Major Gifts. I highly recommend Karen and would hire her again.”

Jennifer Herring, President & CEO of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (former Senior VP for Development & Membership, Wildlife Conservation Society)

"I do count my lucky stars that you have been with us through thick and thin to guide us through troubled waters.  You are fair, smart and strategic, always looking out for TPL’s interests." 

Rose Harvey, Commissioner of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (former Senior VP & Urban Director, The Trust for Public Land)

"In 2001, after becoming SVP of Communications for the Oneida Indian Nation and Executive Director of the Oneida Nation Foundation, I hired Karen as a consultant to the Foundation. The Foundation Board members were all new to the grantmaking process, and Karen gained their confidence from the start. She asked the right questions, listened carefully, described how the process should ideally work, laid out a plan for getting us there, and facilitated the process to keep us on track. During the eight years in which Karen consulted with the Foundation, she kept us focused on high-level, strategic issues; enabled us to gain visibility for the Oneida Nation’s philanthropic contributions to the community; and consistently brought knowledge, integrity and a sense of humor to the grantmaking process. Karen is the consummate professional, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with her again in the future.” 

Peter R. Golia, Ph.D., President of PRG Consult LLC (former Senior Vice President, Oneida Indian Nation)

"You brought tremendous focus, clarity and organization to a grantmaking process that started out as very burdensome, time consuming and ad hoc.  You encouraged us to become more proactive and to think bigger — raising our own sights as well as recognition in the greater community of the Oneida Nation’s charitable work.  I am very proud of where the Nation’s contributions efforts are today, and very grateful to you for getting us there."

Chuck Fougnier, Chairman, Oneida Nation Foundation & Wolf Clan Representative to Oneida Nation’s Men’s Council 

Coaching

"I hired Karen Caruso to coach me through a job search and change. I was going through very stressful times at work, and it had been 15 years since I last looked for a job.  I needed guidance and support in the process.  Karen critiqued and helped me to sharpen my resume and cover letters.  We discussed the kinds of questions I should anticipate and the types of questions I should ask about new opportunities.  The best part of working with Karen was the sense I gained that I had real worth.  Karen gave me the confidence to put myself out there and land a job that better suited me.  Karen’s coaching was instrumental in helping me gear up for and transition into what has been a very positive career change."

Diane Stirling, Strategic Communications Director, Paige Marketing Communications Group

"While advising me on my job search, you enabled me to put my needs first, and you did not allow me to compromise on my objectives.  You helped me clarify my thinking and not lose sight of my value in the marketplace.  Thanks to your guidance, I found a position that is perfect for me."

Phyllis Dunlop, Vice President of Resource Development and Marketing, The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Inc.

“When I decided to leave the Wildlife Conservation Society, Karen guided me through my job search.  It had been a long time (six years!) since my last career move, and I was having trouble getting started.  Karen made it all very doable.  She went way beyond resume review and basic tips; she raised my sights in terms of what to aim for and what I was worth.  Moreover, she enabled me to break the process down into concrete and actionable items and supported me every step of the way.  When, after landing the position I wanted, I found myself faced with unforeseen challenges, Karen calmly and adeptly aided me in successfully navigating my way through them.  The words which best describe what I got from Karen Caruso’s career coaching are encouragement and empowerment.”

Adah Sylvan, Director of Campaign and Prospect Management, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

“During my relocation to Detroit from NYC, Karen Caruso assisted me with my job search process, ultimately helping me reach my goal of securing a position with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Karen helped me develop and perfect my resume, suggesting edits to make my resume more concise and highlight my strengths. Working with Karen enabled me to be to well-prepared for the interview process and to be at ease answering questions which she identified that I should anticipate. The key advice I received from Karen was to realize that interviewing a potential employer is as equally important as being interviewed; this knowledge gave me a tremendous amount of confidence and, to this day, it is one of the most important pieces of professional advice I have been given. Working with Karen also taught me to trust my instincts. One of Karen's greatest strengths lies in her ability to help one realize their career (and life) goals; she is an amazing person, both professionally and personally. A sunny disposition, positive outlook and a no-nonsense approach are all part of what makes Karen such an effective career coach; her passion for her work is palpable."

Ji Sook Lee-Smith, Senior Executive Secretary, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

"I am so grateful for your logical thinking, sensitivity and experience, which helped guide me through the job search process.  As a result, I landed an ideal position and am very happy with the choice I made.  Your help was invaluable."

Luanne McGrain, Lenox Hill Hospital

“Your guidance was so helpful to me in my job search.  I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process, which will help me in my new position.”

Kim Gerstman, Associate Director of Development, Population Council

"Your thoughtful questions and savvy suggestions gave me exactly what I needed to clarify my own needs and strengths, and the tools to pursue the best position for me.  Thank you!"

Susi Hall, former Development Director, John C. Campbell Folk School