Karen Hardigg is an independent consultant offering facilitation and workshop design, policy analysis, and strategic advice with an emphasis on community based conservation and rural economic development. Clients have inlcuded USDA, The Nature Conservancy, Aspen Institute, Foundation for America's Public Lands, Western Forestry Leadership Coalition and American Forests among others. Prior to starting her own consulting business, Karen led the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition for 5 years, where she grew the coalition from a part-time staff person to a team of five and an organization with a national recognition. Previously she worked in Southeast Alaska for nearly a decade for The Nature Conservancy, Forest Service and The Wilderness Society focusing on sustainable forest management and community wellbeing. Karen's interest in conservation began as a kid exploring parks around her hometown of Portland, which led her to specialize in environmental studies and policy in college and graduate school. She lives in Portland with her husband Nick, her two kids, and is addicted to all things soccer. (Karen terms off the Alaska Board in Fall 2026.)