Theresa Freed, M.A., A.P.R.

Theresa Freed, M.A., A.P.R., Director of Strategic Communication and Engagement, leads the Communications division within KHI. She oversees media relations, graphics, digital communications (web, social and audio/video production), convening logistics, marketing and brand management.

Prior to joining KHI, Theresa had a leadership role in communications within three state agencies — the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Most recently she served as communications director for the National Scleroderma Foundation, and prior to that, oversaw digital communications for Johnson County Government, in the County Manager’s Office. She also has 13 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism.

Communications efforts were recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Greater Kansas City chapter (GKC), with multiple Prism Awards in 2024 and 2025. Theresa is a PRSA – GKC board member, serving as vice president of student relations. She is also a national PRSA Health and Life Science section executive committee member and serves as chair for section programming.

Theresa has a master’s degree in mass communications from California State University and has bachelor’s degrees in political science and broadcast journalism from the University of Kansas. In 2025, Theresa earned Accreditation in Public Relations. Just 4 percent of public relations professionals have received this distinction.