As a top strategist and unifying force for change, Karen brings a wealth of experience and nonstop energy to her leadership role at NEA. Driven by passion for the NEA mission to advocate for education professionals and vision for a vibrant, future-focused association, she works tirelessly to advance the association's core values of equal opportunity, a just society, democracy, professionalism, partnership, and collective action.
As Deputy Executive Director, Karen contributes to shaping strategies and priorities of the association while working closely with state affiliates and national leadership. With clarity of direction, insight into the education sector's socio-political landscape, and experience running both internal and external organizations at NEA, she has brought game-changing transformation to the association throughout her tenure.
Upon joining as National Political Director, Karen led the creation of NEA's national campaign program and budget while managing multimillion-dollar national campaigns. She established NEA's first-ever Advocacy Fund to stay competitive with corporations and strengthen NEA's independent work. She cultivated key partnerships and put NEA on significant boards to help drive program priorities. She also brought a focus on data analytics and set the digital foundation for more targeted, impactful campaign and issue advocacy.
As Senior Director of Campaign for Strong Affiliates, Karen designed and directed the first-ever NEA strategic goal focused solely on NEA affiliates. Leveraging strong external relationships and an authentic communication style, she deftly managed difficult conversations around association and affiliate priorities at state, local, and national levels. During this time, she was elected as one of the inaugural members of the newly formed NEA Cabinet.
Karen was selected as Senior Director of Enterprise Data and Information & Strategy to lead the development, deployment, and adoption of NEA360, an enterprise-wide, online platform designed to strengthen NEA's ability to support members. With innovation, determination, and transparency, she directed strategies, budget, and resources to quickly bring a critical project that had derailed to successful fruition.
Before joining NEA, Karen served as the National Political Director for EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action committee and a prominent political network for pro-choice Democratic women candidates. In her early career, she was recognized for her work on numerous gubernatorial and U.S. Senate campaigns. Her successes earned her the position of Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. She also served as the Governor's Senior Advisor, developing complex and politically sensitive issues into meaningful strategies that allowed the Governor to achieve his high-profile legislative priorities.
Karen's work in Democratic politics helped hone her skills in understanding diverse groups of people and the impact they can have in the political arena. She is a dedicated advocate for social justice and continues to leverage her extensive experience in Democratic political activism in her work at NEA.
Coming from a long line of teachers, Karen grew up participating in the fight for great public schools and better support for school personnel. Her mother, a teacher of more than 20 years, served 15 years as Uniserv Director with the Michigan Education Association and created one of the first NEA chapters in the state of Michigan. Karen learned early in life that political action is vital to improving the quality of education and even spent time on picket lines while her family lobbied legislators for better conditions in the classroom.
A master fixer, Karen thrives on challenge and is better than anyone at getting tough work over the finish line. In leading diverse teams to overcome difficulties, she sets the tone of ""we're all in this together"" and treats everyone as equals. She leads with honesty and integrity, fosters inclusion and equity, and bring joy and humor to her work. She is an expert in building community, creating shared vision, and nurturing the talents of those around her.
Karen serves on 21st Century Democrats Advisory Board, Catalist Board of Directors, and NEA Retirement Board. A graduate of Michigan State University, she continues to cheer on the Spartans alongside her husband and three children. At other times, she enthusiastically cheers on her family's accomplishments in work, school, and service. Karen can be reached at [email protected] or (410) 507-2317.