Karen received a BA in Business Economics from UCSB while earning grades sufficient to make Dean’s List. Once she graduated, she packed everything she owned into her VW rabbit and headed up to the San Francisco Bay Area to start her next adventure and explore the wide range of opportunities available. Karen brings a wealth of experience working 13 years in Accounting and Finance for a range of small to mid-size HR and software companies. She specializes in working in small start-up companies to streamline procedures and automate processes to improve efficiency. She has a blend of experience managing all aspects of Accounting for organizations as well as a strong background in corporate financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting. At Blaze Software she cut her teeth as an Accountant and Financial Analyst, while at Brass Ring she provided budgeting and analysis for several business units and monthly management reporting. Karen joined Duran HCP in January 2007, shortly after moving back to the Bay Area from Santa Barbara County where she contributed her financial acumen to Fess Parker Winery while they provided many exceptional wines to add to her collection. She recommends the Ashley’s Chardonnay which is one of her personal favorites. For Duran, Karen oversees all payroll and human resources activities as well as handling the business financials and analysis that our executives rely upon. She uses her strong analytical nature and expert attention to detail to manage and protect Duran’s financial health. She enjoys traveling, wine-tasting and dancing as well as catching a good movie or watching live music, particularly Bonnie Raitt.