Karen was born and raised in Watkins, MN and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Karen has worked in the hospitality business for 33 years and has lived in the Gallatin Valley since 1986, when she moved to Bozeman to become the General Manager of the Bozeman Holiday Inn. She was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Operations with ZMC Hotels where she oversaw the operations, renovations and the development of various franchised hotel properties.
She is currently a partner at Mercury Investment Company, based in Duluth, MN. She functions as the Vice President of Asset Management and travels nationwide to oversee the company’s hospitality assets. Along with being trained in mold remediation and asbestos abatement, her duties also include interfacing with various contractors, management companies, franchises and municipalities.
She has served on numerous boards in various communities including Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Chambers, and has served on the Hilton National Board of Hotel Operators.
Karen is a private pilot and she and her husband Tom own a King Katmai and a hangar at the Bozeman Airport. She is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Montana Pilots Association.
