Executive Operations Partner · Senior Executive Assistant
An executive's right hand.
For over 20 years.
I partner with C-suite leaders and founders to protect their time, sharpen their operations, and keep their world running — no matter how fast it moves.
Years of C-suite suppport
20+
Industries served
5+
Org Scale Managed
$B+
Hi, I'm Karen!
The person behind the title
For more than two decades, I've worked where the pressure is highest and the stakes don't wait — alongside founders, C-suite executives, and senior leadership teams navigating growth, change, and complexity at scale.
My career spans medtech, consulting, luxury automotive, real estate, and construction. I've supported publicly traded global companies, private family enterprises, and independent leaders — each with different needs, each requiring the same thing: an operator they can trust completely.
I'm known for my discretion, my ability to anticipate what's needed before it's asked, and for turning fast-moving, high-demand environments into well-coordinated operations. I don't just manage a calendar — I protect executive focus, manage relationships with stakeholders at every level, and serve as a true extension of leadership.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from Southern New Hampshire University and an AI Proficiency Certification from Superhuman AI Academy. I'm also the author of Close the Gap: 7 Transformational Steps to Move You from Today to Tomorrow — a leadership guide rooted in the same principles that guide how I work every day.
Workflow & process optimization
Building systems that give executives their time back and keep operations running smoothly
Executive communications management
Drafting, editing, and owning
executive correspondence with precision and discretion
Strategic planning
support
Partnering on initiatives, tracking priorities, and keeping leadership aligned and moving forward
Confidentiality & emotional intelligence
High EQ, integrity, & discretion.Trusted handling of sensitive information, personal matters, and internal communications
Stakeholder & relationship management
Maintaining professional relationships at every level, inside and outside the organization
AI-enhanced operations & digital fluency
Fluent in the tools reshaping how modern executives work, from drafting to research to automation
Board & investor relations support
Coordinating materials, logistics, and communications for high-stakes stakeholder engagement
Complex calendar & travel management
Multi-timezone scheduling, international travel logistics, and shifting priority management
Executive personal & lifestyle management
Coordinating all lifestyle logistics so executives can stay focused on what matters most.
Where I've done this work
Southwestern Consulting — Executive Assistant · 2021–Present
Global sales performance and leadership coaching firm, part of the Southwestern Family of Companies (est. 1855, $106M+ combined revenue).
Reclaimed 10+ hours per week for each executive by proactively owning operational and administrative responsibilities. Manage a $5.5M real estate portfolio — including short-term rentals and a commercial event venue — as operational lead. Coordinate international travel to European and South American destinations and provide comprehensive personal and lifestyle support alongside strategic executive operations.
Independent Consultant — Executive Operations, Communications & Presence · 2019–2021
Freelance practice serving executives, founders, and leadership teams across real estate, medtech, financial services, and professional services.
Delivered executive operations consulting, ghostwriting, executive presence coaching, and social media strategy — helping leaders clarify their voice, streamline their operations, and strengthen their visibility.
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Masimo — Executive Assistant · 2017–2019
Publicly traded global medical technology leader (~$2B revenue, 50+ countries).
Supported the Chief Medical Officer, President of Worldwide Sales, and VP of Business Development. Prepared executive presentations and stakeholder communications for board and investor-facing engagements. Managed the $2M Customer Experience Center, leading a cross-departmental team delivering VIP client experiences for global delegations.
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CareFusion / BD — Manager, Administrative Support · 2008–2017
Global medtech company acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) in 2015 ($12B+ Fortune 500).
Led a nine-person administrative and facilities team across a 435-person, 140,000 sq ft corporate campus. Spearheaded a full office redesign for 50 additional staff — completed within a 90-day deadline with zero operational disruption. Maintained executive office operations, facilities management, and team stability through CareFusion's $1.8B acquisition by BD.
The tools I work with every day
AI & Productivity
Platforms & Communication
CRM & Project Management
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BS, Business Administration — Southern New Hampshire University, Summa Cum Laude (2019)
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AI Proficiency Certification — Superhuman AI Academy (2026)
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Continuing professional development through ASAP, IAAP, AICI, AMA, and PRSA (2020–present)
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Former Global VP of Business Development — Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)
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Former Branch Director — International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
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Former VP of Publications — Junior League of Nashville
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Member — ASAP, PRSA, AMA, NSLS, Phi Theta Kappa
Close the Gap: 7 Transformational Steps to Move You from Today to Tomorrow
A leadership and professional development guide built on two decades of working alongside high-performing executives — and observing what separates those who grow from those who stay stuck. A reflection of how I approach every role I step into.
Beyond the role
To provide a little more insight into who you are hiring, here are my current personality assessments.