Karen is a graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University’s Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management program. She has worked at many hospitality organizations where she has gained a lot of experience in operational management. Karen is a natural leader and through her many management roles has developed very strong people management and leadership skills. She is also very team oriented and as the owner/operator of KHG Management Karen delivered corporate team-building programs, facilitated seminars and managed conferences, conventions and special events throughout Atlantic Canada. As the general manager of several non-profit organizations Karen gained experience in grant writing, fundraising, and sponsorship. She is very community oriented and has used her broad skill set while sitting on the Board of Directors of Destination Halifax and most recently the Board of Governors of Mount Saint Vincent University. Her most recent career undertaking has been as Sales Manager for the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront focusing on the Government and Corporate Markets

Outside a very busy career in the hospitality industry, Karen’s passion is playing the bagpipes which began in 1978 under the direction of Pipe Major Francis MacKenzie with the Cape Breton Gaelic Society Pipes and Drums. Karen currently plays with, and was band manager for, the 33rd Halifax Pipes and Drums under the direction of Pipe Major Mike Dupuis. She has had the privilege of traveling to Holland to participate in the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland in 2005 and she will be returning with the 33rd Halifax Pipes and Drums in 2010 for the 65th Anniversary that promises to be the largest public celebration and commemorations for the allied veterans. Karen toured Scotland in 2007 with the Canadian Massed Pipes and Drums participating in various parades and concerts including an opening performance for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Karen has also participated in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and in 2004 traveled with the Tattoo’s Black Watch Association Pipes and Drums to Holland to perform in the Breda tattoo.

It is with great pride and excitement that Karen returns to Summerside where she attended Three Oaks Senior High and worked at Brothers Two restaurant as well as the Lady Slipper Visitor Information Centre where she greeted visitors while playing the bagpipes. All of Karen’s previous experience seems to have led her back to Summerside and the College of Piping. She brings a wealth of experience from the hospitality industry, pipe bands, and non-profit organizations. She has a lot of energy and a very positive attitude. She wants to share her passion for the bagpipes and Celtic culture with the community at large and looks forward to the continued training and accomplishments of world champion solo pipers, dancers and bands. Karen also wants the College of Piping to be a place where anyone, regardless of age or musical ability, can come to learn Highland Dancing, Step Dancing, Bagpipes or Drums and play in a band! While she has many visions and ideas, both formed and forming, she is looking forward tremendously to her new challenges, her future and the continued success and growth of the College of Piping.