Industry Leader, Creative Services | Dyana Koelsch, DK Communications
Rhode Island is full of stories to tell, and Dyana Koelsch is a master storyteller. That makes for a perfect situation for the owner of Providence-based DK Communications.
“I love being a reporter,” said the award-winning, former political and investigative reporter at WJAR-TV NBC 10. “It’s a lot of fun, and every day is different. Rhode Island has a lot of different kinds of stories, and it is a wonderful place to be.”
The 1979 University of Rhode Island graduate has built a one-person office into a growing public relations company, working with both private and public companies, and it has become nationally recognized.
“DK has shown proven results for its clients. Whether it is increased enrollment for universities or increased revenue for private business, DK has supported all of its clients in reaching their goals,” said attorney Mark Dana, a partner at Dana and Dana, which is a client of DK Communications. Dana is also Koelsch’s husband.
DK Communications focuses on helping companies get their message out. Included among the company’s roster of clients are R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp., Roger Williams University, Providence Water, KMC Cyolo-Cross Festival, Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, North Atlantic Distribution Inc., The National Children’s Fund, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence Innovation & Designs District and Daniele Inc.
As an Edward R. Murrow Award winner for broadcasting, Koelsch traveled all over the world reporting during her career. A major accomplishment for her was that her reporting led to legislation tightening the laws against pedophiles.
After working in public relations for the Rhode Island Judiciary, Koelsch decided 10 years ago to go out on her own and started DK Communications all by herself.
“My life has always been about writing and creating stories,” she said. “Shifting to public relations just made sense.”
With her experience as a radio and television reporter and magazine writer, Koelsch saw how the combination of audio, visual and the written word can deliver a powerful message to her clients.
“The basis of it all is the same,” she said. “It is storytelling.”
One of the reasons for the success of DK Communications is its ability to combine storytelling, video production and social media campaigns.
“All of these approaches have assisted all types of business over the years,” said Dana.
‘You have to have … the willingness to learn and embrace new things.’
DYANA KOELSCH, DK Communications owner
Koelsch uses these tools and others, such as the internet and social media platforms that weren’t even around when she started telling stories.
“You have the creativity of telling a story on different platforms,” she said. “It’s about people. It’s the same as journalism.”
DK Communications’ areas of focus: health and wellness; economic development; commercial, retail and consumer-targeted PR; corporate communications; and litigation communications. But improving and growing is part of the strategy Koelsch uses when helping her own company expand.
“You have to have flexibility and the willingness to learn and embrace new things,” she said.
What also helps DK Communications is the people Koelsch has been able to bring in to her group.
“I love my team,” she said. “They are really creative people who are working hard.”
Koelsch takes advantage of the state’s talent to staff her company and hire freelancers for DK Communications.
“You also have so many creative companies and people here,” she said. “There is also so much talent in the classrooms.”
She is also involved in civic activities, including being a member of the Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital board of trustees, a conservator of the Providence Public Library, a board member of the Tanner Hill Children’s Home, and as a strong supporter of Meeting Street School.
“Dyana has promoted women in the workplace both at DK and on the numbers of boards she has been on,” said Dana, in nominating his wife for the award.
For Koelsch, it’s all part of telling the story of Rhode Island, its people, places and businesses.
