Board members of the Squamish Community Foundation (SCF) are pleased to welcome Karen Clarke as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Karen brings a wealth of local community experience and relationships to SCF. She holds a degree in Anthropology and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Community Economic Development.
After working internationally for 4 years in Ghana, West Africa, Karen moved to Squamish in 2004. She was attracted to the welcoming spirit of the locals, the size of the community and the recreational opportunities at one’s doorstep. Her first job in Squamish was with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre. From 2006 to 2014, Karen was the Vancouver Coastal Health Community Developer for the Sea to Sky Corridor. This opportunity offered Karen a deeper understanding of local people and services supporting their communities throughout the Corridor. After holding a few different positions at Sea to Sky Community Services for a number of years, Karen worked as Manager of Outreach Services until July 2020 where she found fulfillment in creating an environment of support and positive relationships for staff who provide many essential services. Karen’s fundraising experience includes an off-road bicycle ride across Canada with a team of 4 women raising money for and promoting the YWCA’s ‘Week Without Violence.’
Finding a healthy work-life balance is important to Karen and when she is not working, you can find her biking or hiking on the local trails, paddling or packing up her blended family to go on an adventure that usually involves tents and a camp stove.
Karen is excited to be a part of the Squamish Community Foundation to help deepen its relational roots in this community and to assist in the growth of its philanthropic contributions and continuing support for non-profit activities in Squamish.
Karen is taking over for Ann Marie McKenzie who served as the Foundation Manager for the past year. The Board is grateful for the service and support provided by Ann Marie during her time with us.
