She has served as a strategic advisor to Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Medtronic, HOYA Surgical Optics, and other companies. She is a knowledgeable and well-respected business advisor in the industry across various topics, including: FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and AdvaMed legal guidelines; the role of social media and parameters of liability; raising venture capital; and preparing EU and US markets for new technology launches.

Karen has a diverse and successful track record in the medical industry. She began working in a hospital pharmacy in 1995 and soon transitioned to a pharmaceutical sales representative in Manhattan, NY, for Pfizer Inc. She quickly took her territory from near to last in the Northeast region to number one, and was immediately promoted to cardiovascular specialty representative, calling on prestigious centers, including Cornell and Columbia University. Karen was then recruited by the ad agency Foote, Cone, & Belding to manage their NY city-based multimedia division. While there, she learned the intricate process of developing and producing multimedia projects, including videos, commercials, web sites, and interactive games.

Later, Karen was recruited by Cline, Davis, & Mann to manage the professional marketing campaign for Viagra. She was integral in shifting the focus of the brand to younger men and establishing the clinical relevance of sexual health to overall wellness and to early diagnosis of systemic diseases.

In 2001, she formed KDI Consulting, Inc., providing strategic and creative development services to East and West Coast agencies and medical clients. Between 2001 and 2003, Karen’s primary role was as a copywriter and producer for a range of media platforms. In 2004, she began providing marketing planning services to medical companies, including Medtronic and Allergan, and operation management services to a West Coast agency. In 2007, at the request of several of her clients, Karen incorporated and founded Varitage.

Karen is also the co-founder and president of the Children’s Cardiology Foundation (CCF). CCF raises funding to improve the awareness, clinical research, and treatment of congenital heart disease.

Karen and her husband live in San Diego, CA. She is the proud mother of their 6-year-old son. In her leisure time she jogs, dances, writes, cooks, and enjoys spending time with her son.