Karissa Kostka

Interim Director, Marketing and Public Relations

Karissa leads the team of doers and creators behind the external storytelling and outreach efforts for District Energy and its affiliates. Grounded in a decade of experience communicating on behalf of mission-driven organizations, she drives strategy in alignment with client and utility customer needs and company values.

Combining passions for fostering shared understanding, creativity, and generating excitement, Karissa has contributed a wide variety of specialties on the team from graphic design, web design, digital marketing, public relations, education and outreach, volunteerism, customer care, and business development. Some of her favorite projects include supporting Oberlin College’s carbon neutrality project, the Ever-Green website redesign, and education and outreach for new developments like The Heights in Saint Paul and on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.

She works with teams across all District Energy operations and on many phases of system development projects to provide expertise and guidance on messaging, branding, education, and engagement.

Karissa holds a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.