Karen graduated from Camosun College in Business Administration, receiving her CMA in 1982. Her career started in public practice and from there she moved to the federal government were she has held a variety of audit and management positions.

Karen has been actively involved with CMABC in the Strategic Leadership Program and distance learning courses since 1992. IN 1995 Karen began teaching both auditing and accounting courses at Camosun College in the Business Division on a part-time basis.

Over the years Karen has been a board member of not-for-profit organizations as treasurer or as a member of the finance committee.

Karen loves to travel in Italy, run and play golf.