Deputy Director

Karen has built relationships and secured funding resources for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for over 20 years. During that time she has raised more than $13.5 million in support from individuals, corporations and foundations. In 2015, Karen was honored by the Urban Libraries Council with the Joey Rodgers Leadership Award for service to public libraries.

With the Library Foundation, Karen is focused on securing grant support from corporate, foundation or government sources, and on building a planned giving program that will help increase the Library Foundation’s endowment assets. She led the creation of a new free literary festival for children called EpicFest that debuted in November 2015. Karen frequently offers guidance and counsel to other public libraries in the areas of private fundraising and community support.

Her extensive experience also includes creating or strengthening volunteer services, educational partnerships, community outreach, and special events. Prior to joining the Library, Karen served as the Grants and Community Relations Coordinator for Spirit Square, a multi-disciplinary arts organization.

A native of Charlotte, Karen holds a B.A. from Converse College and M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans. She became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2000. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a past president of the AFP-Charlotte board of directors, and a former instructor in Duke University’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program.

Email: kbeach@cmlibrary.org
Phone: 704-416-0802