Karen Dahl, Partner

Karen is a decisive leader with expertise in developing and executing communications strategy, building and sustaining complex partnerships, creating new initiatives, and improving internal operations. She has a unique ability to formulate creative solutions to longstanding challenges and evaluate impact. Karen is committed to transparency and equity in communication, policy, and programming. She builds trust through a human-first approach.

Most recently, Karen was appointed by President Biden to serve as Senior Advisor for COVID-19 at AmeriCorps, the Federal agency for service and volunteering. During her tenure, she oversaw the agency’s response to the pandemic, and created and drove execution of Public Health AmeriCorps, a $400 million partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through which thousands of AmeriCorps members are serving the public health needs of communities across the country.

Previously, Karen held several leadership roles in communications, people, and operations at Guild Education, Entangled Group, Cities of Service, Curriculum Associates, and Jumpstart for Young Children. She was part of the communications teams for President Clinton and Vice President Gore, and was a researcher and associate producer for NBC News.

A proud AmeriCorps VISTA alumna, Karen mentors undergraduates through UConn’s Women’s Leadership Collaborative and teaches English conversation classes through the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs. She advises nonprofits and start-ups and volunteers in NYC public schools in a variety of roles.

Karen's writing has been published in Readers Digest and is included in The Best Life Stories: 150 Real-life Tales of Resilience, Joy, and Hope. She holds a master's degree in education from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree in English and French from the University of Connecticut.