Karen Lundgard is Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. In this role, she leads an enthusiastic and committed team of over 60 people as they work to realize a clear vision: a New York City in which every Girl Scout feels empowered to lead in their community, the workplace, and the world.
Karen has dedicated 16 years to the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. Now as Interim CEO, she continues to play a vital role in providing transformative opportunities for over 25,000 Girl Scouts each year, helping them to develop courage, confidence, and character.
A lifelong Girl Scout, Karen first joined a Daisy troop led by her mother in Buffalo, NY. During college, she worked at Seven Hills, a Girl Scout camp, and gained certifications for various outdoor programs such as archery, ropes courses, orienteering, lifeguarding, survival skills, and Leave No Trace principles.
Karen holds a degree in Recreation Management from SUNY Cortland and is passionate about environmental education. She has led numerous signature programs at GSGNY, including the Highest Awards, the Leadership Institute, and Urban Day Camp. As Camp Kaufmann Director and later Vice President of Programs, she developed a nature acclimation process that introduced progressive outdoor experiences, from urban parks to wilderness camping. Most recently, she led the team in building Girl HQ!
Now a Harlem resident, Karen serves on the board of the Children’s Storefront, a local nonprofit supporting early childhood development. She enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband, Frank, and their 10-year-old son, Michael.
