Karen Vasquez

“We could not have achieved all that we have without her,” says Chief of Staff James Henderson of Director of Business Operations Karen Vasquez. Karen has led initiatives to improve financial transparency and operational efficiency, including the development of a public-facing financial dashboard, a contract management process, a pre-purchasing approval application, a revenue reconciliation process, and a budgeting intake tool, which have streamlined the department’s financial operations. She is known for her integrity, service orientation, and ability to empower others, having mentored several team members in leadership roles. Karen supports a culture of balance and openness, keeping an approachable management style, and modeling a healthy work-life ethic. 

Nominated by James Henderson, chief of staff, Harris County Universal Services, Texas