With over 20 years of experience in the private client space, Karen values the importance of building long-lasting relationships with clients over multiple generations, and she is passionate about the success and sustained legacy of her clients. Her many years in the industry have provided Karen with a library of experiences that she draws upon when encountering family and business challenges. As a trusted advisor, she approaches clients without an agenda, and with a willingness to listen. She seeks to understand their top concerns and needs while working together to develop innovative solutions to help them achieve their family and business goals. Karen acquired robust industry and Big Four public accounting experience prior to joining an RSM predecessor firm in 2001.
Karen is also committed to empowering, coaching and developing talent. As part of her leadership role, she is focused on building a collaborative culture and has been responsible for the development and delivery of numerous training programs, including co-founding the RSM Tony Wood Family Office Institute powered by the Smith Family Business Initiative of the Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business. She finds satisfaction in mentoring talent to becoming the best version of themselves both personally and professionally and is invested in helping each member of the team succeed. As part of the firm’s culture, diversity and inclusion efforts, Karen has led the Central region’s culture, diversity and inclusion initiative and was also the Houston Women’s STAR employee network group leader, which advocates for women’s leadership in the workplace. Outside of the firm, she is involved with the Greater Houston Community Foundation where she has been a member of and currently chairs their professional advisor committee. In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
