Karen Runyon is the vice president of accounting with 36 years of experience working at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and its legacy organization, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of UNC Charlotte, Karen joined the chamber as an accounting associate in 1985.
During her 36 years at the CLT Alliance, Karen has been promoted on various occasions, first to director of accounting, and later to vice president of accounting and personnel, the position she currently holds.
Karen is responsible for all of the accounting and record-keeping operations, including cash management, investments, financial reporting, budgeting, tax compliance, and audit, for both the CLT Alliance and its Foundation.
“Karen is a valuable asset to this organization; her years of experience combined with her accounting knowledge and her love for this organization make her an outstanding contributor,” Chief Financial Officer Joaquin Soria said. “Karen is open to new challenges and is always willing to help when I need her most. I really appreciate all the support she has given me in the past three years.”
A transplant from Ohio in 1982, Karen has had a front seat to observe the transformation of the Charlotte Region.
“Working at the CLT Alliance has been a rewarding experience as I have seen the City of Charlotte and its region grow into a thriving and vibrant region to work and live,” she said. “I am excited to be part of the team that is helping to grow the economy and cannot wait to see what the future will bring to our region.”
When Karen is not keeping tabs on the CLT Alliance and watching the region grow, Karen enjoys keeping tabs on and watching her six grandchildren. In her spare time, you can find Karen hiking, biking, and playing pickleball.
