Our Mission
To elevate leaders and amplify their impact.
Our Beliefs
- We are trustworthy, authentic and accountable.
- We respect one another and treat people fairly.
- We are proactive, adaptable and accessible.
- We embrace and celebrate diversity of people, ideas and experiences.
- We are curious, creative and collaborative.
- We support the communities in which we work and live.
- We strive to be the best version of ourselves on all occasions.
Meet our success accelerators.
Our Core Team
Our core team brings highly sought-after, industry-proven insight and experience to every client engagement. We have a successful track record of helping leaders and organizations transform their careers, cultures and companies.
In addition to our core team, we draw on an extensive network of Cardea contributors, including executive coaches and strategic advisors, ensuring the right expertise is applied to every engagement.
Mary C. Dowd
President and CEO
Mary C. Dowd
President and CEO
Mary has nearly 30 years’ experience in leading strategic business initiatives for public and private entities ranging in size from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations. Her expertise includes integrated marketing and communications, executive communications and brand development, executive coaching and leadership development, employee and customer relations, public relations and corporate citizenship.
Prior to joining Cardea in 2014, Mary developed and operationalized the communications function for BAE Systems, Inc.’s newly formed shared services division, which consolidated all administrative functions to serve more than 100K employees worldwide. Previously, Mary served as senior manager, industry marketing, for Dixon Hughes Goodman, where she led integrated marketing communications for the top 20 U.S. accounting firm’s eight primary industries: banking, insurance, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, dealerships, construction/real estate, government contracting and not-for-profit/government.
Prior to Dixon Hughes Goodman, Mary managed public affairs for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) where she served as communications strategist for the national security company’s advanced anti-terrorism programs. Additionally, she managed GDATP’s public relations, employee engagement programs, prepared the company’s top executives for high-profile speaking engagements and interviews and executed high-profile local and national media events. In addition, she developed and implemented the company’s formal community relations plan while forging community partnerships and activities. Mary began her career with The Dowd Company, a family-owned residential construction firm, and she has her N.C. residential contractor’s license.
Throughout her career, Mary has been dedicated to giving back to her community by serving numerous not-for-profit and civic organizations. Currently, she serves on the board of Project Life, an organization building a diverse pool of potential bone marrow donors by engaging students across college campuses, and The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation, a group working to inform and foster dialogue about Germany’s current and historic influence of industry, culture and arts in the greater Charlotte region.
Mary was most recently awarded Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO. Her work has been recognized by the Public Relations Society of America and the Association for Accounting Marketing, among others, and in 2011 she was selected as one of Charlotte Business Journal’s “Top Forty Under 40” professionals. Mary received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Davidson College and her Master of Arts in English and creative writing from North Carolina State University.
Linda P. Hudson
Founder and Strategic Advisor
Linda P. Hudson
Linda is the founder of Cardea and currently serves as strategic advisor, having retired as the chairman and CEO in February 2020. She founded the company in 2014 to help C-suite executives and their teams navigate transitions, organizational growth, strategic change, risk management, mergers and acquisitions and other significant transformations. With a focus on executive coaching, C-suite transitions and leadership in multicultural and multigenerational workplaces, Linda is a trusted advisor to corporate boards, organizations and executives navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
Cited four times among Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, Linda previously served as president and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc., leading the global defense, aerospace and security company through a period of significant growth with $13 billion in annual revenue. She also held board leadership roles as an executive director of both the BAE Systems, Inc. and BAE Systems plc boards of directors.
Prior to becoming BAE Systems, Inc.’s CEO, Linda was president of BAE Systems’ Land & Armaments operating group, the world’s largest military vehicle and equipment business, with operations around the world. Before joining BAE Systems, she served for seven years as an officer and vice president of the General Dynamics Corporation and was president of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.
Throughout her career, Linda held a variety of senior management positions in engineering, production operations, program management and business development during a period of significant consolidation in the defense industry. Beginning her career with the Harris Corporation and Ford Aerospace, she led organizations at Martin Marietta through the Lockheed Martin merger and a subsequent divestiture to General Dynamics.
Dedicated to continuing the success of organizations and an advocate for community advancement, Linda has served on numerous organizational and educational boards throughout her career. She previously served as a director of Bank of America, Trane Technologies and Southern Company. Currently, she serves on the nonprofit board of the University of Florida Foundation.
Selected to receive the USO’s 2011 Woman of the Year Distinguished Service Award for her tireless commitment to the military and their families, Linda has received numerous accolades and recognitions for her professional accomplishments and philanthropic activities. As a member of the International Women’s Forum and C200, the premier global organization of women business leaders, Linda received C200’s 2011 Luminary Award for Corporate Innovation. She has also been recognized as an innovative leader and trailblazer, having been featured in numerous periodicals such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Forbes with The Sunday Times of London proclaiming her “the first lady of defense.”
Linda has been cited as one of Washingtonian's 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, and the Washington Business Journal named her to its Power 100 list as one of its Most Admired CEOs. She was inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame in December 2013. Linda received the 2013 Association of the U.S. Army’s John W. Dixon award for her industry leadership and contributions to national security. Additionally, she was named to STEMConnector’s 100 CEO Leaders in STEM in 2011 and 2012 and recognized as one of 100 Women Leaders in STEM in 2012. The Charlotte Business Journal honored her with its 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized her in 2019 as one of Charlotte’s Most Admired CEOs for her work at Cardea.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Linda received her bachelor’s degree in systems engineering with honors. She remains active in the alumni and athletic associations and serves on advisory boards for the College of Engineering. Honored as a Distinguished Alumnus, she is a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Hall of Fame. She holds an honorary doctorate in engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an honorary doctorate in science from the University of Florida. Linda was selected as the University of Florida’s Gator of the Year in 2017 in recognition of her extraordinary career and longtime service to her alma mater. In 2019, she was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering for leadership in the development and production of military systems and for mentoring and developing future engineering leaders.
Samantha F. Knight
Vice President
Samantha F. Knight
Samantha is a solutions-driven communications professional with more than 10 years of experience leading strategic communications initiatives and supporting C-suite executives in highly regulated industries. She demonstrates exceptional performance in leading cross-functional teams and working with senior leadership to develop, execute and evaluate strategic marketing and communications plans. Samantha effectively navigates the ever-changing environment of digital communications, and she understands what it takes to build and grow executive and company brands.
Graduating with honors from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte), Samantha was an active volunteer on campus and treasurer for the Public Relations Student Society of America. Currently, she serves as Director of Membership Engagement for the Public Relations Society of America, Charlotte chapter (PRSA Charlotte) and previously served on young professionals committee. She is a volunteer leader for the southeast region of American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and a member of the leadership committee for the Charlotte sector. She previously served on the young alumni board of directors for Charlotte’s Alumni Association. In 2021 she was awarded Charlotte’s 10 Under 10 Award, and in 2020 PRSA Charlotte awarded her New Pro of the Year.
Alan R. Freitag, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
Executive Advisor, Strategic Communication
Alan R. Freitag, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
Executive Advisor, Strategic Communication
Alan Freitag holds the title of Professor Emeritus with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As a professor and assistant dean with UNC Charlotte from 1998-2021, he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in public relations. He established the university's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Under Freitag’s guidance, the public relations program earned CEPR certification through the Public Relations Society of America. In 2006, he received the first Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship in Teaching. Freitag served as university faculty president, 2009/10. For six months in 2012, Freitag conducted research in Poznań, Poland, under a Fulbright research grant, and he served again in Poznań during 2015/16 in a Fulbright Distinguished Chair fellowship. For his last two full-time years, Freitag served as assistant dean in the Graduate School. During spring 2019, he was a Visiting Professor with the Poznan University of Economics and Business in Poznań, Poland. UNC-Charlotte is one of 16 campuses of the University of North Carolina system and has a student population exceeding 30,000 including nearly 6,000 graduate students.
He earned an associate’s degree in television production and direction from the Milwaukee Area Technical College (1971); a bachelor of science degree in radio, television and film from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (1973); a master of arts degree in business administration and public administration from Webster University, St. Louis (1977); and a Ph.D. in mass communication, specializing in public relations, from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism (1999).
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Freitag retired in 1995 as a lieutenant colonel after 22 1/2 years of service. His service included nearly 10 years in Europe and four years in the Pentagon. He began his career as a navigator on C-130 Hercules aircraft then entered the public affairs career field. He served in marketing for Air Force recruiting, on the operations staff of the American Forces Network - Europe, as director of public affairs for a U.S. air base in England, with Air Force legislative liaison in Washington, D.C., as director of media relations for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization at the Pentagon, as director of media relations and press aide to the Supreme Allied Commander for NATO's military arm in Belgium, and as assistant director of public affairs for the Air Force's Pacific command.
His military duties included direct public affairs involvement in the resettlement of Vietnamese refugees in 1975, the return of the U.S. hostages from Iran in 1981, the raid on Libyan terrorist facilities in 1986, and the invasion of Panama in 1989. During three critical years with NATO, Freitag was closely involved with Alliance media activities surrounding the reunification of Germany, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, the opening of NATO to Eastern Europe, the attempted Russian coup, the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, and NATO's involvement in the first Gulf War. He has traveled to 68 countries.
He is a member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. He is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the Society’s prestigious College of Fellows. He has received the Charlotte PRSA chapter Infinity Award and its Pegasus Award, both for exceptional career achievement. He is a member of the SHAPE Officers Association (NATO), the American Legion, the Air Force Association, the Air Force Public Affairs Association, the Armed Forces Broadcasters Association, and the Military Officers Association. For more than 10 years, Freitag served on the Board of Trustees for the nonprofit Interactivity Foundation.
He is lead author of a text book for teaching international public relations entitled, Global Public Relations: Spanning Borders, Spanning Cultures, published by Routledge of London in 2009. His work has been published in Public Relations Journal, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, Journal of Communication Management, Journal of Public Relations Education, Communication Research Reports, Public Relations Quarterly, several European academic journals, PR Tactics, Newspaper Research Journal, Airman, and Asia-Pacific Defense Forum, and he has published five academic book chapters. His research interests include international public relations, corporate social responsibility, and internal/employee communication.
Professional military courses completed include Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officers' School, the NATO Officers' Course, the Senior Public Affairs Officers' Course, the Broadcast Managers' course, the Public Information Officers' Course, and the Air Force Communications Short Course.
Karen Furstenberg
Executive Advisor
Karen Furstenberg
An expert in finance, operations, audit and regulatory compliance, Karen Furstenberg leverages over 30 years of advisory, governance, public accounting and industry experience, helping organizations advance strategic objectives. She led international expansions, acquisition integration, greenfield market growth and risk management in highly regulated and dynamic global markets. Karen understands what it takes to navigate complex and fluid regulatory environments in the U.S. and abroad, having diverse industry experience and advised Fortune 50 corporations throughout their footprint.
Her expertise includes:
- Founded and led Global Advisory Practice for top 10 firm, to expand firm to multiple global markets and services – Adding 250 clients with no service turnover.
- Fortune 500 Leader as Senior Vice President, Ethics, Audit and Compliance, reporting to CEO and Board of Directors
- Former Big 4 Partner - Managing partner over healthcare risk services, and Carolina's region
- International Board Director experience including Compliance and Risk/Not for profit Audit Committee experience
- Led team to the resolution of corporate integrity agreement plan, M&A integration, corporate governance strategy and execution
- Strategy and deployment of global risk, finance and technology and governance operations in a Fortune 500 and Global financial institutions.
- Hired, mentored and developed over 40 top performing partners ranking in top 5% of firm
- Building high-performing teams through innovative recruitment and retention strategies to create diverse and inclusive workforces
- Leading highly profitable, international advisory P&L model to deliver 60% year-over-year growth for 10 years
As an expert in finance, audit compliance and technology transformation, Karen leverages her experience in advising, public accounting and the industry to help executives advance their growth strategy, successfully integrate acquisitions and manage risk in highly regulated and dynamic markets internationally.
Karen served as the start-up Global Advisory Managing Partner for Forvis Mazars, previously Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP (DHG), a top 8 U.S. CPA firm in which she established and led all operations to deliver more than $250M in advisory services. These client service functions included finance, risk and regulatory matters, technology solutions, internal audit/compliance and CFO transformation services. Concurrently, she served as a director on the board of DHG Global Advisory, Ltd., an international expansion of the organization.
Karen grew the clientele of DHG by 250 new clients, ranging in size from Fortune 500 to Fortune 10, and repositioned DHG as a significant competitor in the global risk advisory marketplace. She established and led a global delivery model that expanded the firm into nine new U.S. and international markets, including serving clients in Asia, Europe and South America. Having built her team of diverse professionals located across the world, her leadership in human capital strategy for recruiting and retention plans were implemented across the firm as best practice to develop and retain highly competitive and diverse talent.
Before transforming DHG's advisory practice, Karen was the managing partner of business risk services for Ernst & Young's (EY) Charlotte market. There she established and led the healthcare-focused practice for her sector. She also led a start-up region for the global firm while building a new team of 85 high-performing professionals executing global risk/regulatory, financial and technology strategies for international organizations in all industries. During her tenure at EY, she also served as the health sciences leader for risk services and the national leader for high-risk healthcare engagements.
Karen's significant industry compliance and audit expertise builds upon her industry leadership roles, including serving as Senior Vice President, Ethics, Audit and Compliance for publicly traded (F500) LifePoint Health. She was responsible for developing and reporting ethics, audit and compliance programs to the CEO, board, and audit committee. Her work included overseeing special projects and investigations, such as developing and leading the compliance infrastructure to successfully integrate a 23-hospital acquisition and integrating a regulatory response for the organization's corporate integrity agreement (CIA) with the Office of Inspector General.
Before to joining LifePoint, Karen held a series of progressively senior financial, and compliance office audit roles for Communicare Health Services, ultimately overseeing finance for the national post-acute care health system. Before transitioning into healthcare, Karen began her career in the manufacturing industry with United Technologies, Carrier Corporation where she completed an operational finance process improvement rotation.
Named in 2016 by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the city's Most Influential Women in Business, Karen serves on the board and audit committee of Junior Achievement of Charlotte. She earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from State University of New York at Oswego.
Ethan Guralnick
Communications Director
Ethan Guralnick
Ethan Guralnick is a seasoned storyteller and advisor who brings more than a decade of experience in digital, strategic, and executive communications. He has led communications efforts for organizations in highly regulated sectors across diverse industries, including the Department of Defense and historical institutions. He works with organizations to express their missions in ways that resonate, with clarity, creativity, and lasting impact.
In each role, Ethan has transformed communications strategies to sharpen messaging, increase visibility, and drive audience engagement. He holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from American University and brings a deep understanding of digital trends, audience behavior, and mission-driven storytelling to every project.
Jacob McManus
Communications Manager
Jacob McManus
Jacob is a versatile communications professional with a proven track record in public relations, change management, brand development, social media and storytelling. Committed to his clients' success, he approaches every engagement as a strategic partner and creative problem solver, with a focus on driving meaningful business outcomes and enhancing stakeholder alignment across complex organizations.
His experience spans highly regulated industries including healthcare, financial services, and aerospace and defense. Currently serving as a Communications Manager with Cardea, he has led enterprise-level communications initiatives for our clients—from supporting large-scale transformation efforts and mergers to building executive visibility and facilitating C-suite alignment. He brings a unique ability to synthesize strategic priorities, translate them into clear messaging, and activate cross-functional engagement through the full communications lifecycle.
Jacob is driven to give back to his community, regardless of where he’s located, and he’s been fortunate to have numerous opportunities to do so. He’s led successful fundraising campaigns directly benefitting the Charlotte, NC community, supporting organizations such as Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina, Charlotte Ballet, and Veterans Bridge Home. As a type 1 diabetic since age four, Jacob has volunteered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), educating others and staying informed of the latest advancements in diabetes research. In addition to his volunteer experience, Jacob is a member of the Charlotte Young Professionals Group (CYPG), currently serving as Director of Mentorship. He also holds a membership with the Public Relations Society of America, Charlotte Chapter (PRSA Charlotte). In 2024, he received PRSA Charlotte’s New Professional Award.
Jacob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Louisiana State University and is actively pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University.
Sara Klausmeier
Communications Specialist
Sara Klausmeier
Sara Klausmeier is an emerging communications and marketing professional specializing in executive brand management. With experience across multiple industries, she brings a strong foundation in personal storytelling, digital marketing and brand identity development. Sara partners with senior leadership to implement strategies that strengthen online visibility and support organizational growth.
In her role, Sara supports marketing initiatives and leadership communications, contributing to content strategy, campaign development and message alignment. She tailors narratives to organizational priorities and diverse audiences, ensuring clarity, consistency and effective engagement across digital platforms.
Sara is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America, Charlotte Chapter (PRSA Charlotte) New Professionals group and the Young Affiliates of the Mint (YAM). A graduate of Bowling Green State University, she is committed to continuous learning in executive communications, brand strategy and digital storytelling.
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Kara Perlman
Communications Specialist
Kara Perlman
Kara is a strategic communications professional with more than 12 years of experience leading communications initiatives across government contracting, international development and nonprofit sectors. She demonstrates exceptional performance in translating complex initiatives into clear, compelling narratives that drive stakeholder engagement and measurable results. Kara specializes in executive-level communications, combining content strategy, digital marketing and relationship-building expertise to help leadership teams navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
Throughout her career, Kara has led communications for multimillion-dollar programs, managed large-scale events, and played a key role in securing federal contracts through strategic business development. She excels across the full spectrum of strategic communications, including internal and external messaging, executive communications, website management and event planning. Her project management precision, combined with a communicator's creativity, allows her to deliver results for diverse audiences.
Kara is actively pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School. She is active in Charlotte's creative community as a volunteer with Charlotte Creative Mornings and supports youth empowerment through Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte and community engagement initiatives with the Go Jen Go Foundation. Kara graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
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Molly Bozzo
Executive Communications Advisor
Molly Bozzo
Executive Communications Advisor
Molly Bozzo is a communications professional with nearly 15 years of experience in internal, external and executive communications, including crisis and change management, media relations and social media.
As a communicator for global corporations and regional nonprofits alike, Molly’s diverse background spans a wide range of industries and audiences. Whether supporting C-Suite leaders with personalized communications or tailoring messaging to meet the unique needs of varied workforces, Molly’s thorough approach delivers results to drive business outcomes and engage stakeholders.
As a trusted communications partner, Molly is adept at customizing strategies to blend the style of the author with the content and channels that best serve stakeholders when, where and how they receive information. She is a highly detailed writer skilled in adopting voice and translating complex subject matter into compelling content all audiences can understand.
Molly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication - Public Relations from Appalachian State University, where she graduated with honors.
Tim Haddock
Executive Communications Advisor
Tim Haddock
Executive Communications Advisor
Tim is a corporate communications professional with more than two decades of proven track record creating content to inform, engage and inspire. As a director of executive and internal communications and public affairs manager for Fortune 500 companies, he has specialized in helping C-suite and business leaders create consistent, strategic messaging to drive change and strengthen organizational culture.
As a ghostwriter, speechwriter and copywriter, Tim is adept at working behind the scenes to assist overburdened executives, business owners and community leaders seeking to hone their personal voices and position themselves as thought leaders and industry influencers. With a strong background in business and tech journalism, he excels at making complex and arcane topics accessible to diverse internal and external audiences.
Whatever the channel – print, digital, or spoken word – Tim brings the creative edge necessary to share the stories, images and ideas that get noticed in a world saturated by nonstop information. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science from Duke University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
Anne Bañez
Project Manager
Anne Banez
Project Manager
Anne Bañez is an experienced project management and marketing leader with over 20 years of success driving initiatives across corporate and consulting environments. She focuses on strategic project coordination, stakeholder engagement, market research, and organizational management. Anne has led efforts that streamlined operations, strengthened client relationships, and improved cross-functional collaboration, delivering measurable results that align with business goals.
Anne received her Bachelor of Arts from James Madison University and her Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University.
Our History
Linda P. Hudson, a visionary leader, CEO, corporate board director and executive advisor with a proven track record of leading some of the world’s largest and most complex organizations. Driven by her belief that the world needs more leaders and organizations in the public and private sectors that have a clear purpose, work effectively and get things done. Under her guidance, the Cardea team quickly became trusted advisors to senior executives leading in complex environments and highly regulated industries.
In 2020, Linda appointed Mary C. Dowd president and CEO to lead Cardea into its next phase of growth. With nearly 30 years of experience, Mary has expanded the company’s reach and deepened its impact—positioning Cardea as a strategic partner to leaders navigating pivotal moments.