Karl Gentles

Karl E. Gentles, APR

Karl E. Gentles, APR, MBA, Senior Counsellor

Karl Gentles is the president and CEO of KGPR, LLC, a Phoenix-based public relations company serving clients in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Houston. With more than 20 years of public relations experience, Gentles has helped shape the political, corporate affairs and reputation strategies for several of Arizona’s most recognized organizations including USAA, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Bank One and others. Forming KGPR in 2007, the company’s practice areas include corporate public relations, strategic communications, media strategy, public affairs and political consulting, community relations, event management, nonprofit management, and communication and media training.

Current and previous clients include Bank of the West, Essex Credit, Midwestern University, Back to School Clothing Drive, NightLight Pediatric Urgent Care, Arizona School Choice Trust, NFL Experience, Cody Williams for South Mountain Justice of the Peace, Arizona School Tuition Organizations Association, Michael Brad Bayless and Associates, and others. Under Gentles’ leadership the Back to School Clothing Drive launched an online retail store serving the school uniform needs of more than 100 local Title 1 schools.

Prior to forming his company, Gentles served as Director of Corporate Communications for USAA, a diversified financial services firm serving members of the military and their families. At USAA he directed all employee and public communications for the Phoenix campus and led a successful effort to win the 2003 Best Place to Work award from The Business Journal of Phoenix and the Great Place to Work Institute. At Bank One Gentles served as a regional marketing manager directing specialty marketing and community development initiatives for the Bank’s Western Region. He also served as corporate relations manager responsible for various public affairs issues including the Bank’s Political Action Committee. Gentles began his career as a staff assistant to U.S. Senator John McCain.

A two-time graduate of The Arizona State University, Gentles earned his undergraduate degree in Organizational Communication, and a Masters of Business Administration from the W.P. Carey School of Business. He holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America and is the current President of the organization’s Phoenix Chapter. Gentles is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, a director and board secretary of the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority, a member of the Fiesta Bowl Committee, and member of Association for Strategic Planning. Gentles is a 25-year resident of Phoenix.

• KGPR News and Headlines

  March, 2010
  KGPR to help launch new healthier potato chip - CRAVE Chips; locally owned and produced by former Arizona Cardinal star Jamir Miller, CEO, Sack Time Snacks, Inc. CRAVE Chips is the official chip of the Subway Fresh 600 race taking place April 8-10, 2010 at Phoenix International Raceway.

  February, 2010
  Rep. Cloves Campbell, Jr., joins KGPR Political Consulting/Campaign Management client list.

  January 20, 2010
  KGPR Sponsors Arizona African American Legislative and Leadership Summit Feb. 11-12, State Capitol.

  January, 2010
  KGPR adds Fisher Sand and Gravel to growing client list.

  December 1, 2009
  KGPR opens new office in downtown Phoenix, 1241 E. Washington St., Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

  November 29, 2009
  KGPR tapped to run Cody Williams For
  South Mountain Justice of the Peace Campaign.

  November 6, 2009
  KGPR joins PRSA Counselors Academy.

• Case Experiences

  Corporate Practice: USAA expands its operation to Phoenix needing someone to build its name, KGPR’s senior counselor took the challenge and within three year of opening its doors, USAA was recognized as the Best Place to Work by the Business Journal of Phoenix.

  Media Practice: Bank of the West's Turning Bread into Toast campaign resulting in more than 20 million media impressions in national and regional publication including Brand Week, Advertising Age, and about 25 others.