Frank Karel (1940 – January 20, 2019) was a highly influential American communications executive and consultant, primarily known for his pioneering work in professionalizing public relations and communications within the philanthropic sector. He played a pivotal role in shaping how major foundations, particularly The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation, engaged with the public, policymakers, and the media.
Early Life and Education Born in 1940, Karel pursued a career that eventually blended journalism, public relations, and philanthropy. Details about his early life and specific educational background are less widely publicized than his professional achievements.
Career
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF): Karel served as the Vice President for Communications at The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for over two decades, from 1974 to 1996. During his tenure, he transformed the foundation's approach to communications, moving away from a traditional, often insular model to one that actively sought to inform and engage with the public about critical health issues and the foundation's initiatives. He was instrumental in building the communications department into a strategic arm of the foundation, ensuring that its research and policy recommendations reached relevant audiences.
- The Rockefeller Foundation: After his long service at RWJF, Karel joined The Rockefeller Foundation in 1996 as its Senior Vice President for Communications. He brought his expertise to another major global philanthropy, further cementing his reputation as a leader in strategic communications for social good.
- Karel & Company: Following his time at The Rockefeller Foundation, Karel founded Karel & Company, a communications consulting firm dedicated to working with nonprofit organizations and foundations. Through his firm, he continued to advise and mentor numerous philanthropic leaders and communications professionals, advocating for clear, honest, and impactful communication strategies.
Key Contributions and Legacy
Frank Karel is widely credited with several significant contributions to the field of philanthropic communications:
- Professionalization of Communications: He is often cited as a key figure in elevating the status and strategic importance of communications within large foundations. He argued that effective communication was not merely about publicity but was central to achieving a foundation's mission and impact.
- Advocacy for Transparency: Karel championed greater transparency and openness in foundation work. He believed that foundations had a responsibility to share their findings, strategies, and even their challenges with the public to foster trust and facilitate broader societal change.
- Mentorship and Thought Leadership: Throughout his career, Karel was a dedicated mentor to countless communications professionals in the nonprofit world. He was a regular speaker and writer on best practices in philanthropic communications, influencing a generation of practitioners.
- Involvement with The Communications Network: He was deeply involved with The Communications Network (ComNet), an organization for communications professionals working in philanthropy. He helped shape its direction and vision, emphasizing the importance of a strong, connected community of communicators dedicated to social impact.
Death Frank Karel passed away on January 20, 2019, at the age of 78. His legacy continues to influence the strategies and practices of philanthropic communications worldwide.