About
Critical LINK Management Group is based in Edmonton, Alberta and is owned and directed by Karen Link. Our philosophy centres on breaking down communication barriers so individuals and organizations can talk openly about issues and solutions. Economic development. Organizational change. Workforce solutions. Strategic planning. Collaborative models.. More about our projects and outcomes…
We do this by bringing together employers and employees; agencies and clients; governments and citizens; corporations and communities. The results can be striking, as they were last year when 40 homeless and inner city residents delivered some very important messages to association executives regarding priorities and needs on the streets of Edmonton. More about our extensive sector and client list…
It is not unusual for us to use imaginative tools to tease out the best and brightest solutions, even among (from?) the most reluctant participants. When focus groups and strategic sessions don’t generate solid leads, we use imaginative play, toys and even cookies to get people talking… committing… performing. More about our work…
Whatever your challenge, principal Karen Link will bring more than 25 years of experience to the task. She may also call upon a network of consultants to ensure each project benefits from the right mix of expertise.
Karen Link Bio
Karen Link has had a diverse career spanning 28 years as a project manager and facilitator in the fields of economic and community development, formal and informal education, culture and tourism.
She began her career as an educator, earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, followed by extensive graduate level course work in business, marketing and organizational behaviour at the Universities of Alberta and British Columbia. Before starting her consulting firm, Karen worked for the provincial government in tourism and culture becoming widely recognized as a leader in public education at the Royal Alberta Museum. Karen invested nine years developing the programs and services for the tourism and business development divisions of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. She has established a comprehensive network of regional, provincial and national contacts and has earned a solid reputation as a committed and capable leader.
Over the years Karen has been an advocate and leader of change for a variety of organizations in the private, public and not-for profit sectors. She consults on economic, business and community development, organizational review and restructuring, workforce diversity, human resources, post-secondary education, government programs and services, culture, and tourism.
Professional Associates
Critical LINK works in collaboration with a number of professional consultants as required to enhance our capacity to meet large or complex assignments.
- Progress Pros
Lisa Baroldi
Communications
lisa@progresspros.ca - Kobot Industries
Bryan Kulba
Digital media design
www.kobotindustries.com - Norquest Museum Consulting Services
Anne Hayward
Culture and heritage management
anneh@norquestgroup.com - SMT Business Services
Shelagh Thurlbeck
Economic and Community Development
shelagh@smtconsulting.ca - University of Alberta - Faculty of Extension
Stanley Varhagen, Jason Daniels
Learning Solutions
www.atl.ualberta.ca
Affiliate Organizations
Critical LINK is a member, director or professional associate of the following organizations.
- ALLIES (Assisting Local Leaders with Immigrant Employment Strategies)
Expert Advisor - Maytree Foundation Karen Link on You Tube - Alberta Congress Board
2008 & 2009 Conference Committees - Edmonton Community Foundation
Community Grants Program Advisory Committee
Community Scholarship Advisory Committee - Edmonton Community, Labour & Immigration Network Committee
Founding Member - Edmonton Heritage Council
Founding Member - Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
Chair, Board of Directors - Human Resources Institute of Alberta
Member - Learning Performance Institute
Professional Associate