Biography

When I visited Olympia for the first time, I was amazed. What I saw was stunning natural beauty, caring and exceptionally involved people, and a community with tremendous confidence. The friends I was visiting said to me, "Karen, you have to move here. It's perfect for you." I agreed. Half a year later, I rented a moving truck, loading up my dogs, and came here to stay.

Since moving to Olympia, I have worked for the Department of Ecology, and the Washington State House of Representatives, where I helped write the bill creating the Puget Sound Partnership. I am now working for the Washington State Liquor Control Board as a rules coordinator and policy specialist.

I am also an active participant in the community. I serve on the City of Olympia Utility Advisory Committee, and the Thurston County Planning Commission.

My professional experience includes writing policy, managing public projects, and advising elected officials. I have worked with the public, our community, the City of Olympia, the business community, legislators, the Governor's Office, and other local, federal and tribal governments. While with the Department of Ecology, I had the particular pleasure of working with our community and City government, and learning about our community's current and future growth and economic needs.

My academic background is a Bachelor of Arts in political science, and a Master of Science in wetland ecology.