Karen is a Chief Human Resources Officer with over 25 years of HR and operational experience. Karen actively influences organizational change, developing and implementing innovative strategies that fuel business objectives while attracting, engaging, developing and retaining high talent.

As Chief Human Resources Officer for Designer Brands, a $3B retail and wholesale footwear company, Karen led the global HR and Communications teams through multiple acquisitions and tremendous change. She transformed traditional HR departments into value-adding business partners contributing to bottom-line organizational success.

Karen started her career as a Merchant with May Department Stores, and made the transition to Human Resources when joining Apple to help build their new retail organization. During 11 years with Apple, Karen led various Talent Acquisition teams and initiatives while developing many of the strategies and processes that helped Apple Retail scale to over 400 stores in 5 countries.

Karen currently serves on the board of directors for Women of Color Retail Alliance, an organization that develops and promotes a robust network of ready-now executive talent, supporting industry employers seeking true representation and inclusion. Karen is a graduate of Indiana University Kelley School of Business