Karen Brand is the Vice President of Small Business Acceleration for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. She joined the organization in April 2025 as senior program manager, bringing with her decades of communications and marketing experience and a deep commitment to help business owners thrive.
As vice president, she leads the CLT Alliance’s small business acceleration strategy, including enhancing collaboration with the city, regional counties, and our economic development partners, and leveraging the collective strength of the CLT Alliance and its network so small businesses can succeed in a thriving regional economy.
With 25 years of experience in communications and marketing, Karen understands the power of a well-told story, and delights in helping others tell theirs. A lifelong learner and team player, she brings empathy, optimism, and a deep desire to champion the success of others. Her prior experience as an independent consultant, paired with a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial journeys of family and friends, has deepened her respect and appreciation for the grit, resilience, and courage it takes to be a small business owner and build something from the ground up.
Karen’s leadership roles in two different tourism economic development organizations further solidified her appreciation for local businesses and their positive impact on shaping a community’s vitality and quality of life. Seven years leading strategic marketing and communications for an independent school refined her creativity and innovative approach in problem solving.
A fierce advocate for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and passionate ally for historically underserved and underrepresented groups, Karen brings both heart and hustle to this work. She is a proud member of Leadership Charlotte, Class 45, and graduate of Florida Southern College.
Outside the office, Karen pours her energy into causes she cares about. She served a two-year term as president of the Board of Directors for Jane Doe No More, at the time a fledgling nonprofit, dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual crimes, and continues to serve on their Advisory Board. She also supports environmental nonprofits as well as animal welfare causes, inspired by her own experience finding her ‘heart dog’ through a rescue organization.
Weekends will likely find this Florida native and outdoor enthusiast on one of the region’s many greenways, working in her yard and garden, tackling a DIY home project, or dreaming about her next yoga retreat.
