For the past seven years, Karen has served as a self-employed consultant and has supported several national trade associations and arts organizations by helping them improve marketing and build their revenue streams.

Before starting her business, Karen served for 13 years as a senior executive for the National Retail Federation (NRF) with the last seven years in the role of senior vice president, member services. Prior to joining NRF, she held a number of roles including federal lobbyist, political action committee manager, and director of membership for the Food Marketing Institute.

Karen earned her M.S. in Public Relations from the American University and B.A. in Communication Arts from James Madison University.