Karen Appelbaum
she/her/hers
Operations Director
Joined Northwest Area Foundation: March 2008
EMAIL“A value of mine is being in service to others (my family, friends, colleagues, community, etc.) in a way that contributes to their betterment.” — Karen
Karen leads the Foundation’s office management and information technology departments. She oversees policies, processes, and procedures and directs all activities associated with the Foundation’s facilities management, business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, technology systems improvement initiatives, vendor policy, and information governance program.
Her ability to cultivate strong vendor relationships and manage projects across the organization helps ensure that the Foundation’s physical office operates efficiently and addresses the health, safety, and well-being of employees and visitors.
Over her career, she has worked in multifaceted leadership positions within the facilities and sports management industries.
For more than 25 years, Karen has been volunteering weekly as a kitchen helper at Open Arms of Minnesota. Her volunteer role gives her an opportunity to bring hope and nourishment to individuals living with life-threatening illnesses. She also enjoys spending time in nature; walking her three black Labrador retrievers; bicycling; and tackling Sudoku, crossword, and jigsaw puzzles. She and her spouse have two daughters.