Kathryn King’s career path from biology to public relations has given her a rewarding experience to pursue her passions. King is a senior public affairs specialist at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and religion from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before shifting career paths and earning her master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University.
While working towards her undergraduate degree in biology, King took a technical writing course her senior year and discovered a calling to pursue technical writing. She began her career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a technical writer, progressing to editor, before transitioning into more public facing work. King quickly realized she not only excelled in communication work but had also found her passion.
King has worked with the Y-12 National Security Complex for more than two decades alongside serving as communications director for the local and state chapters of the League of Women Voters since 2016. One of her most memorable projects during her career was with the League last year, “Be Vocal, Vote Local.” The campaign led to a noticeable increase in voter turnout in historically low-voting districts in Knoxville. King expressed great pride in the campaign, sharing that she has always been passionate about voting and education surrounding the right to vote.
Thinking about how her personal values and ethics influenced her career, King reflected that being the daughter and granddaughter of public-school teachers instilled a deep understanding of the value of education. She has always viewed public relations as a career that allows her to educate the public, an idea that she embraced while communicating science reports and discoveries in her role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The ability to better inform the public is a skill and a privilege that King does not take lightly, seeing it as both a responsibility and a way to empower communities through knowledge.
With over two decades of experience, King adds her perspective on the growth and evolution of public relations, “There is a lot more noise now... you have to be able to break through the disinformation, especially in technical fields."
She also stressed the importance of being knowledgeable about modern communication channels such as social media, emphasizing “Whether you like social media or not, you are a communicator, and you need to know how the tools work.”
Looking back on her professional journey, King’s overarching message to young professionals is to join the local and national chapter of PRSA. King remarks, “With PRSA you get the opportunity to learn from other practitioners... You can bounce your ideas off other members, and when you learn people’s strengths you can call them during a time of need.”
King has been a member of PRSA since her time at George Washington University, and during that time she has earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from PRSA. King notes, “Even if getting your accreditation doesn’t give you a pay boost, it gives you confidence.”
When asked if she had any final advice, King urged members to use the resources available within PRSA and to take advantage of continuous learning opportunities throughout all stages of their careers.
PRSA is honored to highlight Kathryn King, a dedicated member who makes a meaningful difference in her community and beyond. Her commitment to learning serves as an inspiration to all PRSA members, no matter the stage of their careers.