As the Director of Building Performance Programs, Karen promotes workforce development & training, contractor growth & apprenticeships, and community outreach and awareness.

Karen fell in love with the idea of designing and building homes through a sixth-grade assignment. She held a variety of roles in the production homebuilding industry for 20-years, contributing to the development of over 3,000 homes in six states. Early in her career, she recognized the significant impact the built environment has on our planet and our society. She holds several professional accreditations in sustainability and continues to educate herself on the intersection of housing, sustainability, health and environmental justice.

Prior to joining Pittsburgh Gateways, she spent 5-years as an independent consultant, helping contractors improve profit margins and reduce risk through better project management tools, collaboration, and operational efficiency.