Karyn G. Le Blanc is the Director of Communications at the DowntownDC BID. Appointed in January 2011, she is responsible for developing strategies that support the mission and goals of the BID as well as the full spectrum of organizational initiatives, including promoting a strong graphic identity and consistent communications messaging, planning public outreach activities, disseminating a wide range of publications and information products, maintaining cooperative relationships with partner organizations and providing communications support to other BID departments.

Under Karyn’s leadership, the BID has embraced social networking, sending out its first tweet on Twitter within three weeks of her arrival. A blog and other social networking tools are planned.

Most recently, Karyn headed the communications department at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for three years. Under her tenure, DDOT was positioned as a national leader among state Departments of Transportation in both public outreach strategies and government social media strategies. She has held other positions within the agency, including as public affairs specialist and communications specialist. Karyn also was a communications manager with The Georgetown Project and executive director of the Georgetown Business & Professional Association.

Karyn is a candidate for a bachelor's degree with a specialization in communications from American University. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 56th Presidential Inauguration Award and the Mayor’s special recognition for outstanding service during DC’s major 2010 snow events. Karyn lives in DC with her husband and four children.