Kara is a seasoned HR/people and finance executive with proven experience leading cultural transformations and building effective teams. A trusted advisor to CEOs and CXOs, Kara is highly relational, balances strategic thinking with operational excellence, and is known for her strong communication and analytical skills.

With over 30 years of experience, Kara has played pivotal roles in building and scaling technology organizations, from early start-up, through rapid and challenging growth, to successful exits. She has delivered critical organic and inorganic growth initiatives, led teams and functions, developed thriving cultures, created meaningful employee experiences, and partnered with CEOs to navigate leadership and organizational changes.

Kara leads her own advisory practice, providing individual and team coaching and consultative support for organizational and leadership objectives.

From 2012 to 2022, Kara was a key member of Smartsheet’s executive team, helping to scale the company from 30 employees to over 2,500, drive revenues from less than five million to over half a billion, expand from US to global operations, and evolve from private to public through a successful IPO. Kara served in various roles across HR/people, finance, and strategic growth, building many of Smartsheet’s foundational programs and practices and fostering an award-winning culture rooted in purpose, integrity, and operationalized values.

Before joining Smartsheet, Kara held leadership positions with broad remits at various technology companies, including BlueView Technologies (acquired by Teledyne), GoAhead Software (acquired by Oracle), and Vigilos.

Kara holds a B.S. in Commerce from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, a Certificate in Organizational Coaching from the University of British Columbia, and the designation of Associate Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation. She previously served on the boards of AlertMedia (acquired by Vista) and Pacific Crest School.