Karen Jones

Karen Jones serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, leveraging over two decades of industry expertise in global entertainment communications strategy, brand storytelling, and leadership coaching.

Her educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in French earned magna cum laude from Amherst College.

Ms. Jones specializes in Entertainment, Leadership, and Popular Culture, with deep proficiency in Communications and Public Relations. Her professional trajectory began as a feature film unit publicist, culminating in her role as Executive Vice President and Head of Communications for HBO and HBO Max (now Max), where she managed C-suite advisory, crisis communications, and publicity for award-winning content. She now integrates this executive experience into academic instruction while emphasizing equitable education access.

Active in professional governance, she serves on the Ready to Succeed board and as a Television Academy governor representing the Public Relations Peer Group, prioritizing mentorship for emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.