Kris Havens

Kris Havens is a highly analytical and creative leader with a unique ability to create order out of chaos and more than two decades of experience leading in-depth research to develop cross-platform communications,advocacy campaigns, and marketing strategies to drive awareness, growth, and revenue.

As a partner at Penta and a senior leader on the Gotham Research team, Kris works with non-profits, political and civic engagement organizations, and Fortune 500 companies by specializing in custom research, advanced analytics, and in-depth assessments designed to inform strategic initiatives including branding, message, advertising, advocacy, digital engagement, and crisis communications.

Prior to joining Penta, Kris served for more than 15 years as a senior executive for national education organizations, most recently as the Chief Strategy Officer of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Vice President of External Affairs for Educators for Excellence, and the Communications Director of the American Federation of Teachers. In each of these organizations, she led comprehensive market research to drive organizational advocacy, redesign communications, increase engagement, and improve brand awareness.

From 2001 to 2006, Kris co-founded a brand, marketing, and design firm that provided integrated services for clients, including Chicago Theatre, Lees Carpets, BlueCross BlueShield, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and See Chicago Dance. She is a graduate ofJohns Hopkins University and lives in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.