Karen Erren is a nationally recognized nonprofit executive and transformational leader with over 20 years of experience guiding mission-driven organizations toward sustainable growth, operational excellence, and measurable community impact. A catalyst for innovation in human services and food security, she has built a distinguished career driving systemic solutions to hunger and social inequities through strategic leadership, data-informed decision-making, and authentic collaboration.
As President and CEO of Feeding Westchester, Karen led one of New York’s regional hunger-relief organizations through a period of unprecedented transformation. Under her leadership, the organization doubled its food distribution capacity, tripled annual revenue, and launched its first-ever Policy and Advocacy Department, strengthening both operational resilience and public influence. She guided the agency through the COVID-19 crisis with fiscal integrity and compassion, ensuring continuity of service for millions while elevating visibility across media and legislative platforms. Her work earned her recognition among City & State New York’s Power 100 and features in Westchester Magazine and Feeding America Spotlights.
Previously, Karen served as Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Food Bank, where she stabilized a rapidly growing nonprofit, launched its inaugural strategic plan, and secured transformational seven-figure campaign gifts that doubled community impact. Earlier in her career, as Development Director at the Arkansas Foodbank, she helped lead a $17.5 million capital expansion campaign that positioned the organization for long-term growth.
Karen also brought her strategic and communications expertise to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, where she directed a $7 million expansion campaign and guided the organization through a critical turnaround phase, achieving consistent double-digit revenue growth. Her leadership earned her recognition as a finalist for Nonprofit Executive of the Year by Arkansas Business and a selection to the Global Advisory Council.
Beyond direct nonprofit leadership, Karen has held senior roles in national philanthropy and marketing, including as Director of Client Services and New Business Development for Russ Reid / One & All, the nation’s largest agency serving mission-driven organizations. There, she led multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns and counseled executive teams on growth, governance, and brand transformation.
A respected thought leader in the national hunger-relief movement, Karen served as Vice Chair of Feeding America’s National Advisory Council, where she advised on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy and resource development across a 200- member food bank network. She also chaired Feeding America’s Northeast Region, guiding strategic collaboration among regional CEOs to advance unified advocacy and operational excellence. Her board service includes Feeding New York State, The Business Council of Westchester, and Nonprofit Westchester.
Karen’s leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, equity, and empowerment. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer on nonprofit strategy, fundraising innovation, and DEI leadership, presenting for national conferences, universities, and media outlets, including News12 and SUNY Westchester Community College.
A graduate of Stephens College with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Karen combines mission passion with strategic precision, building organizations that not only serve communities but also strengthen them for generations to come.
LinkedIn: Karen Erren