Karyl Leigh Barnes
Background
Karyl Leigh joined DCI in 1998, having worked with the Rockland County (N.Y.) Department of Tourism on initiatives designed to boost regional visitor arrivals and expenditures. But her foundation in marketing was laid as an undergrad, where she was honored as Anderson University’s Falls School of Business “Outstanding Marketing Graduate.”
Karyl Leigh also holds a master’s degree in global marketing communications and advertising from Emerson College, Brussels, Belgium, and is professionally accredited in marketing communications by the International Advertising Association.
Karyl Leigh’s Passion for Places
From her first trip to South America at age five, Karyl Leigh was enthralled by the cultures and customs unearthed in every new place she ventured. And after diligently pursuing study abroad programs in Australia, Belgium, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom, she landed quite naturally in destination marketing at “The Leader in Marketing Places.”
While at DCI, Karyl Leigh has worked with celebrities, such as actors and Olympic athletes, but she remains most enthusiastic about the unique personalities and authentic experiences that permeate destinations themselves.
Notable Results
- To raise awareness of the Tasmanian Devil – Tasmania’s tourism icon that is ravaged by a deadly cancer – Karyl Leigh secured a speaking engagement at the International Wildlife Film Festival and coverage in the Associated Press, BusinessWeek, NPR, Scientific American and Wildlife Conservation.
- To position Massachusetts as a leading northeast spa destination, she designed the “Relax… It’s Tax Day” promotion. Massachusetts massage therapists offered free massages aboard Amtrak trains on stressful April 15. The in-station and on-board stunt directly reached more than 10,000 consumers with spa getaway information and generated 2.3 million media impressions.
- To increase sales of Scotland vacations among Chicagoans, where numerous residents claim Scottish heritage, Karyl Leigh crafted the National Tartan Day Chicago Bulls promotion. A televised Scottish Highland Festival took center stage during halftime, with travel offers featured in the stadium and online. A celebrity photo shoot featuring Bulls and Highland dancers resulted in colorful placements in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
Up Close
Although she was born and raised in a small river town in upstate New York, Karyl Leigh always sought adventure abroad. To date, she’s learned to scuba dive in the Cayman Islands, cycled past tulip fields in Holland, hiked to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu, swum Devil’s Pool at the edge of Victoria Falls, and trekked through the wilderness to witness devils feed at night in Tasmania.
Where You’ll Find Karyl Leigh on a Free Day
When not tied to her Blackberry, Karyl Leigh can be found paddling the Delaware, Hudson or Long Island Sound in her kayak, alongside her husband Ben, and scheming how to save money for their next big safari.
Places that Karyl Leigh has Called Home
Narrowsburg, New York
Indianapolis, Indiana
Brussels, Belgium
Elmhurst, New York
Blauvelt, New York
Larchmont, New York
Surprising Facts about Karyl Leigh
A Partridge Family Parody
As a child, Karyl Leigh toured the East Coast in a station wagon, performing with her family in a children’s musical. Miraculously, to this day she still enjoys singing with choirs when her schedule allows.
Campfires and Camaraderie
For one week each summer, Karyl Leigh dons her camping khakis and directs a non-profit summer camp in northeast Pennsylvania. She designs programming that fosters understanding and promotes personal growth among rural and urban youth.
The Mighty Adventures of Super Aunt
Karyl Leigh is aunt to a whopping 29 nieces and nephews – at last count – and has learned that there’s nothing better than a few big empty boxes or sofa cushions for building the world’s greatest fort.
