In 2003 Karen started her own firm, Pope Consulting, as a contract lobbyist and has created an impressive list of clients. Prior to that in 2000, she served as senior governmental affairs representative for Georgia EMC and its family of companies, representing the businesses before the General Assembly. From 1991 to 1999, Karen Pope worked for BFI Waste Systems. In her last role as marketing manager, she secured high-revenue, multi year contracts with local governments in Georgia.

Karen's community involvement includes extensive work with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. She chaired the Economic Development, Taxes and Tourism Committee of the Chamber's Government Affairs Council for four years. She co-chaired the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House's Annual Fundraiser, which supports the entire operating

budget of the two Atlanta-area houses. Karen serves on the Georgia Radio Reading Service Board of Directors. In addition to GaRRS, she serves on the Board of Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation which is part of the state Department of Community Affairs. Karen is also a graduate of Leadership Cobb, and she has volunteered eight of the past 10 years on the Politics Day Committee for this impressive leadership development program. She is also a member of the prestigious Leadership Georgia Class of 2009.

Karen received a Bachelor's of Science Degree from the University of Georgia where she helped restart the student government association and was elected campus-wide. She received the prestigious Malanos Award for a 4.0 grade point average in her Masters of Business Administration from Georgia State University.