Karen Hale has worked to support and strengthen communities through her involvement in municipal, county and state government, and community organizations. Karen was director of special initiatives for Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and, under Mayor Ben McAdams, served as Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor of Community and External Affairs. In that role, Karen supported the efforts of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council; the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; and the Office for New Americans. Prior to her work at the county, Karen served as Director of Community Relations and Communications Director to Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker. Karen was elected to the Utah State Senate in 1998, where she served two terms. She was a steady, passionate voice for public and higher education and safety and health for all Utahns. Karen is actively engaged in the community through participation on boards that include Intermountain Healthcare; the Natural History Museum of Utah; and the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission. Karen is the former publisher and editor of Parent Express, a news and resource magazine for Utah families.