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Karen Vaughan has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning over multiple industries and organizations. Starting in 2002, they worked as a Public Relations Specialist for the Grant Park Music Festival/Chicago Cultural Center, and eventually transitioned to become a Communications Manager for Millennium Park, where they led media relations efforts and oversaw marketing initiatives. In 2007, they became the Manager of Communications for the Chicago Office of Tourism, responsible for public relations and promoting Chicago as a leisure destination. Karen then served as the Director of Public Affairs for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, leading the communications function and managing a team of professionals. In 2011, they became the Director of Communications for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, developing strategic integrated communications plans and overseeing media relations. Karen continued their career in Cook County Government, where they served as the Press Secretary for the President of the Board of Commissioners, handling media and communications strategies. Karen'smost recent roles were with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, where they were the Director of Permits, Rentals, and Concessions, responsible for generating revenue and overseeing the permitting process for events in the forest preserves. Currently, they hold the position of Deputy Chief in Communications and Marketing at the Chicago Housing Authority.

Karen Vaughan completed their high school education at St. Ignatius College Prep from 1994 to 1998. Karen then pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 2001. Following that, they attended DePaul University from 2004 to 2006 and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Communication.