Karen has recently joined Merit Solutions with over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles within the Australian Government. An experienced leader, Karen has managed a range of corporate, operational and service delivery roles at the executive level in government departments. With diverse experience gained through these executive responsibilities and transformational programs for government, Karen specialises in recruitment, selection, organisational development and program management, offering tailored solutions to meet client needs.

Karen’s proficiency in managing sensitive recruitment, programs and projects, coupled with her empathetic and discreet manner, allows her to work collaboratively with clients, fostering trust and transparency throughout the process.

Karen has led and managed recruitment and capability programs for the Australian government, including the management of entry-level and graduate programs. Throughout her career, Karen has participated in multiple recruitment and selection activities, including the development of job descriptions, selection criteria and interview questions (against Australian Public Service Work Level Standards and Integrated Learning System (ILS)), shortlisting and scribing, and positions as a panel member and chair.

Karen has led the challenging change process involved with the transition of a government department’s payroll service (including staff) to whole of government, shared service arrangements. While working for the Australian government, Karen also led the establishment of an organisational change and culture branch, including development of new change toolkits, strategies, frameworks and reporting structure, leading a multidisciplinary team of APS staff, consultants and contractors.

Karen has represented the Australian Government at national and international events and forums and negotiated outcomes on behalf of the Australian community. She is passionate about supporting vulnerable groups, particularly veterans and the elderly, and has led initiatives aimed at improving their wellbeing through innovative policy and program changes.

Karen’s background in both people support roles and managing sensitive community programs for vulnerable client groups (including face-to-face consultation and complex complaint resolution), ensures her approach is one of empathy, tact and discretion.