Karen works as the Director of Donor Relations for Bearing Tree.
Before joining Bearing Tree, Karen was an entrepreneur, owning a fine jewelry store, a restaurant and a car dealership. She strongly believes in the value small businesses bring to our economy, and the importance of protecting free enterprise. Karen also worked as a film editor in Chicago for clients that include Anheuser-Busch, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Proctor and Gamble.
At Bearing Tree, she helps nonprofit organizations maximize their funding opportunities from a variety of sources. She works with clients to develop strategy, grow prospect outreach and create and maintain relationships with wealthy individuals, foundations and corporate donors. Karen is an expert in applying a wide array of creative approaches to ensure her clients engage multiple funding sources to allow them to grow in both reach and impact.
Karen earned a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University after graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in English. She serves on the board of San Pasqual Academy, a best-in-class residential high school for foster teens in Escondido, CA. Karen enjoys spending time with her daughter, riding horses and skiing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her Rottweiler and cat.