Karen, a California native and thirty-year Lafayette resident, is an active community leader and volunteer. She began her volunteer work with the Lafayette School PTA, coaching for LMYA and teaching Junior Achievement programs in Lafayette classrooms. She then served on the Vision 2000 Library Committee, the catalyst for the creation of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center and, later, as the Planning Commissioner liaison to that building committee.

Karen was appointed to the City of Lafayette Planning Commission in 2000 and served twelve years, twice as Chair. She is most proud of her work in the creation of the current Lafayette General Plan, the Downtown Specific Plan and the Ridgeline Ordinances that guide our city’s development and protect Lafayette’s iconic ridgelines from development. Karen also served on the Sustainable Lafayette Board of Directors and co-chaired the City of Lafayette Environmental Task Force.

Professionally, Karen is a LEED AP with an MBA from Saint Mary’s College. She was the Associate Vice President for Campus Planning, Facilities and Grounds at Mills College overseeing campus services, planning, capital projects, transportation and public safety. Karen joined the San Francisco Presidio Trust in 2012 and for nearly eight years, directed the new hospitality program that included creation and management of 3 restaurants, 2 hotels and multiple event facilities.

Karen is Principal of POM Resource Group, a consulting group she founded, and has lectured at Mills College, San Francisco State University, Saint Mary’s College and Diablo Valley College on topics of sustainability, planning and green building. Karen is a UC Davis Master Gardener, and currently coordinates UC’s support of sixteen community gardens in Contra Costa County.