Karen Olson Joins Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass as Vice President of Marketing

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Jul 10, 2013, 08:08 ET

SEATTLE, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Space Needle, a Seattle landmark that has adorned Seattle's skyline and deepened Seattle experiences since the World's Fair, and Chihuly Garden and Glass, the most comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly's work, have hired Karen Olson as Vice President of Marketing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130710/SF45753)

Karen Olson is well regarded in the region as a marketing innovator who develops compelling customer engagement campaigns and experiences. She has spent more than 20 years developing successful marketing strategies connecting customers to authentic branded experiences. As tourist destinations and local favorites, The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass are focused entirely on the customer experience and her selection comes after an extensive nationwide search for this particular set of skills.

"Karen has a great strategic mind, a commitment to brand authenticity, and experience in project leadership," said Ron Sevart, President & CEO of The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. "She has that entrepreneurial DNA that we value here at The Space Needle – it's that DNA that keeps us hyper-focused on delivering the best Seattle experience for every guest."

Previously, Karen was a marketing consultant for T-Mobile and Microsoft and past president of BuzzBee Company, a strategic marketing firm serving some of the top brands in the region. Prior to consulting, Karen held senior marketing positions at local Seattle technology startups, and began her career working at some of the region's leading public relations agencies, including Evans Group, now Publicis.

"I am honored to be part of a global icon that has such a rich history of transforming moments into experiences of a lifetime," said Karen Olson. "I'm looking forward to helping build upon this great tradition and legacy that has become part of the very fabric of this city."

Karen was honored as one of the region's up-and-coming leaders by being chosen as one of Seattle's "40 under 40" top leaders by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Karen has also served on the executive board of the Puget Sound American Marketing Association, helping build awareness and community within the Western Washington marketing industry. She has also been a member of Vistage, the global chief executive leadership organization, and Pathwise Leadership Development, a regional executive training program.

About The Space Needle
The Space Needle is a cherished landmark of the Pacific Northwest and a symbol of Seattle. Located at the Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, and has since become a part of the Seattle experience. A favorite of locals and tourists, The Space Needle is 605 feet tall and houses an observation deck with unparalleled views of Seattle, award-winning Sky City restaurant, a much-sought-after private event venue, and retail store. Opened year-round, The Space Needle has been transforming moments into memories for more than 50 years. For more information visit: www.spaceneedle.com.

About Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a look at the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Located at Seattle Center, the exhibition features an Exhibition Hall offering visitors a comprehensive look at Chihuly's significant series of work. Visitors will also enjoy the centerpiece Glasshouse – a dramatic structure housing a suspended 1,340-piece, 100-foot-long glass sculpture – and the Garden, which is a backdrop for a number of monumental sculptures and other installations. Also housed in the Exhibition Hall is the Collections Cafe, featuring pieces from Chihuly's collections including carnival chalk ware, vintage accordions, vintage radios and cameras and The Bookstore, showcasing the works of local artisans and a variety of books and materials relating to Chihuly's artworks, including some Studio Editions and prints. For more information visit: www.chihulygardenandglass.com.

SOURCE Space Needle