As Manager of Operations & Special Events, Karen is responsible for managing the CBF's special events including the Annual Fall Benefit and the Pro Bono and Public Service Awards Luncheon. She also manages the Development and Accounting databases, and manages CBF office operations.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Winston Salem State University in North Carolina and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She is currently an Associate Faculty member at the University of Phoenix where she facilitates classes in Sociology and Communications.

Previously, Karen worked for Vital Bridges NFP, Inc. (n.k.a Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care), a nonprofit organization that assists people throughout the Chicago area impacted by HIV and AIDS, where she coordinated the Individual Giving program, managed the donor database and website, and assisted with various fundraising events. Prior to her employment at Vital Bridges, Karen served as Secretary III for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago where she performed administrative work for the Legacies & Endowments Department.

Karen resides in Chicago.