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Karen grew up in south Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. While at LSU, Karen was on the Dean's List and active in Alpha Delta Pi sorority. During her senior year at LSU, Karen interned for a large regional public accounting firm in Baton Rouge. She soon became a full time employee and progressed through the audit staff ranks to manager. Her responsibilities included supervision of audit staff and extensive tax return preparation for individuals and corporations, in addition to audits, reviews and compilations. When Karen and her family moved to Jackson, she joined a small computer consulting firm. Her duties as Controller included complete management of all aspects of the financial and accounting processes and supervision of an efficient, service-oriented department. During this period, the Jackson firm doubled in size and Karen coordinated the ultimate integration of the company through two subsequent mergers with national companies. As part of GranthamPoole's audit team, Karen's areas of expertise include the real estate, construction, engineering, medical and retail/wholesale industries, as well as employee benefit plans, non-profit agencies and colleges/universities. Karen is a member of the Mississippi Society of CPAs, the Society of Louisiana CPAs and American Institute of CPAs. She and her husband, Kyle, along with sons Matthew, Nathan and Patrick, are active members of Christ United Methodist Church, where she has served on the Finance Committee as Treasurer and Chairman. Karen has also served as Treasurer of the Jackson, Mississippi Chapter of the LSU Alumni Association. She and her family are avid LSU Tiger supporters. | 