Sam Klemet
Vice President of Operations
248-229-6898
sklemet@kelley-cawthorne.com
Sam Klemet spent a decade behind the mic before realizing the best stories aren’t just reported — they’re built. As Vice President of Operations at Catalyst, he brings a broadcaster’s instinct for what makes a message land, paired with the strategic chops he’s sharpened leading some of the region’s most recognizable organizations, including the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
Home Town
Royal Oak, Michigan, along historic Woodward Avenue
Fun Facts
- Named Big Brother of the Year as a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
- Worked with Detroit Hip-Hop Artist Gmac Cash on a rap song and music video
Specialties
- Association management and member engagement
- Brand strategy and storytelling
- Event leadership and audience growth
- Strategic communications
- Industry and community partnerships
Experience
- Executive Director, Detroit Auto Dealers Association and Detroit Auto Show
- President and CEO, Michigan Association of Broadcasters
- Director of Member Services, Indiana Broadcasters Association
- On-air journalist across Illinois, Minnesota, and Indiana
Education & Community
- Michigan State University, College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- Leadership Detroit, Class XLV
- Michigan Society of Association Executives, Board of Directors
- Detroit Economic Club, Board of Directors
Media & Honors
- Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni Award, College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- Emerging Leader Award, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund
- Multiple national honors for creative excellence for the “My Drive. My City. My Show.” campaign
- Founder of the Great Lakes Broadcast and Sports Media Academy at Ford Field, the nation’s largest student-focused event of its kind
- Architect of the award-winning “Be There” broadcasting workforce recruitment campaign