Hello! My name is Kim Gilliam, and I’m thrilled to be the newest member of the ASA marketing and communications team. I began my career in the nonprofit space more than 25 years ago—just as Yahoo was emerging as a top search engine and a few moons before I’d buy my first Nokia. Willingly dating myself here….
My first job out of college was as a junior editor at the American Meat Institute, and then I went on to help launch a professional issues magazine for the American Physical Therapy Association. The highlight of my career so far was a cover assignment on paralympians and their physical therapists at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Amazing.
I just completed a six-year stint at an association consulting firm in their comm shop, writing blogs, producing a weekly podcast, and managing their social media platform. And prior to that, I spent a few years on Capitol Hill, working for an environmental lobbyist—with a focus on nuclear waste remediation.
Environmentalism plays a big role in my family, and we’re working toward more sustainable lifestyle habits with the goal of making a whole lot less trash! In our ongoing effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we’ve found developing a “zero waste” approach can be a challenge. Work in progress! #repurpose, #reduce, #recycle.
My daughter, Marley, is studying environmental informatics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, aka Virginia Tech and home of the Hokies. My husband, Chris, works for a company specializing in “smart software” technology that makes mobility safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Good stuff! Hayley, my oldest, works with animals—adoption, care, and nutrition (pushing package-free treats and homemade recipes). Rounding out the household is our West Highland terrier, Boomer, who just turned 16. The little guy is still spry and full of mischief.
The ASA is headquartered in my hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. A third-generation Alexandrian and proud graduate of T.C. Williams High School #rememberthetitans, 22314 has been my stomping ground for quite some time. Let me brag a bit on my beloved city—Alexandria was voted among the “Top 3 Best Small Cities in the US” in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (2019) and honored among “The Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World (Alexandria #7)” by O, The Oprah Magazine (2019). So, if you find yourself at ASA HQ, I’d be happy to give you a tour—and a stop at The Fish Market for a schooner and the best clam chowder you’ll ever taste.
I cannot believe my good fortune in being hired by the ASA and look forward to meeting you during the many events that take place throughout the year. I’m grateful to have found a new home and am excited for this new chapter in life.
Kim’s All-Time Favorites
Authors: William Styron, J.D. Salinger, and John Irving
Destination: Maine
Music: Acoustic anything
Season: Fall
Accessory: Boots—no matter what the season
Beer: IPA
Meal: Seafood
Necessity: Coffee—hands down.
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