Karen Burkes

About Karen Burkes

I lead strategy and transformation work that helps mission-driven organizations scale impact without losing clarity or purpose. My work sits at the intersection of enterprise strategy, operational execution, and organizational alignment.Over the past 15+ years, I’ve partnered with executive teams to navigate complexity—large systems, multiple stakeholders, and moments of significant change. I’m known for asking the right questions, building alignment across functions, and translating vision into disciplined execution that delivers measurable, mission-aligned results.My experience spans enterprise strategy, organizational transformation, and performance improvement across healthcare, human services, and public-interest organizations. I’ve led large-scale initiatives involving complex operating environments, workforce transformation, data driven decision making, and technology-enabled modernization—always with an emphasis on sustainability, accountability, and long-term impact.What Drives My Leadership: Building alignment, trust, and momentum—one conversation at a time.Leadership Style:• Brings people together by making sure every voice is heard and every goal ties back to the bigger mission.• Turns debate into direction—asking the right questions, building alignment, and moving teams from ideas to action.• Leads with honesty and clarity, creating trust even when all the answers aren’t on the table.Let’s Connect If You’re Looking For:• A speaker to talk about wellness in the workplace or information about my next yoga workshop.• A strategic partner who can help turn complexity into clear, executable direction. • A fellow international traveler who can offer insights on Central America, India, and Morocco.• A brainstorm partner who mixes strategy with humanity.Areas of expertise and interest: Executive Leadership, Business Strategy, Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, Organizational Transformation, Business Optimization, Change Management, Cross-functional Leadership, Performance Management, Process Improvement, Continuous Improvement, Data-Driven Decision Making, Enterprise Operations, Resource Optimization, Financial Performance, Talent Strategy, Team Development, Organizational Design, Systems Integration, Stakeholder Engagement, Culture Transformation, Digital Transformation, Risk Management, Governance, Operational Efficiency, Executive Communication, Business Transformation, KPI Development, Collaboration, Software Implementation

Experience

1. Board Member

   Triangle Area Parenting Support

   Jan 2025 — Present

Education

• University of Maryland

  BS, Mathematics

  1998 — 2003

• University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business

  MBA, Corporate Strategy and Finance

  2007 — 2009