Karen is the Chief Executive of South Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire and has held this position for 6 years. She has lead responsibility for the strategic direction of the Council ensuring excellent quality services are provided for all local residents. Karen works in partnership with key stakeholders to deliver key community schemes and projects. Karen has over 40 years’ experience of working in Local Government including being a Monitoring Officer for 7 years and holding a number of senior positions across the country. Key positions held by Karen are:

• Company Director of LeisureSK Ltd from January 2020 to June 2023
• Director of a local investment Children’s Charity since October 2020
• From October 2022 to October 2025, Karen was the National Deputy Spokesperson for Housing Planning & Infrastructure for SOLACE, a networking organisation for Chief Executive’s and senior officers in the public sector.
• In July 2022, Karen joined ALACE as a Council Board Member. ALACE is the recognised negotiating body for Chief Executives’ terms and conditions of employment.
• Chief Executive of the Year finalist 2021-2022.

Karen’s previous positions have included being a Trustee, Vice Chairman and Chairman of a Multi Academy Grammar School Trust, Robert Carre Trust for 6 years. Karen was the National Secretary for the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) from September 2019 until September 2021. Karen was also a Company Director at InvestSK Ltd, Economic Development Company for South Kesteven in Lincolnshire.