Role and Company

Managing Director, BlackRock

Expertise

23 years experience in financial services

Location

San Francisco, CA

About Karen

I've worked in the asset management industry for over 20 years in a variety of roles from fund accounting to operations to project management. I've managed teams of up to 75 people. I currently am leading one of the firm's largest system development projects on behalf of one of the portfolio management teams. I believe that building strong partnerships across the organization and at all levels is critical to success as is setting clear goals and accountability and being as succinct and transparent as possible when communicating.
On a personal note, I have 2 children aged 11 and 8 and they pretty much take up all of my free time...not that I'm complaining (too often). Before they arrived I enjoyed traveling, playing golf, doing home improvement projects, cooking and reading. These days I'm just happy if I have a free hour to watch a tv program that isn't rated "E for Everyone". Hockey is the sport of choice in my family though I myself am simply a spectator. Living in California I've often questioned the decision to push our kids in that direction but I've learned to love driving long distances to games and to ignore the strange looks I get when dressed in a parka while the temperatures outside are above 70 .
While I haven't participated in any formal mentorships programs, I have been involved in countless informal ones both as a mentor and mentee and I place a high value on those relationships. I look forward to being of any assistance that I can through ACP AdvisorNet.