is a seasoned expert in hospitality and golf marketing strategy, a long-time producer of national sporting events, and is considered one of the golf industry’s leading media relations specialists.  Recently, on behalf of HPR, she has developed wellness initiatives and a spa consultancy under the Wellness umbrella (www.wellstyles.com).

Widely known and respected by industry leaders, the media and golf executives, Karen’s media relations strategies have enhanced profits and visibility for her clients and propelled Hunter Public Relations • Special Events to the forefront of the worlds of hospitality and golf.  Karen possesses an expertise in positioning and opening properties — including eight hotels and 44 golf courses since starting her career. 

Over the past 21 years, HPR has designed and implemented some of the nation’s most momentous special events, including the Reunion of U.S. Open Champions at the 100th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and on the following morning, staged the memorable and emotional Payne Stewart Memorial Service on the 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links.  For the USGA’s Centennial Celebration, six major events were executed, including star-studded galas in New York and Los Angeles, the launch of a book and film series, a traveling exhibit, a national media campaign, and the creation of a speaker’s bureau and member outreach program. 

Prior to forming Hunter Public Relations • Special Events in 1990, Karen was vice president of marketing for Pebble Beach Company, where she spearheaded global marketing campaigns for The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and Del Monte Golf Courses, and scenic 17-Mile Drive.  She started her career with Sheraton Hotels in the southwest region public relations office, based in Los Angeles.

Karen is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, serves on the boards of the Upper Raritan Watershed Association, the Executive Women’s Golf Association and the University of California, San Diego Alumni Association. 

Raised in both Michigan and California, Karen is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego.