ÂÜÀòÂÒÂ×

Karen Heppenstall, ChPP has over 14 years of extensive work experience in the field of rail and transportation. Karen is currently serving as the Head of Rail at Midlands Connect since April 2021. In their previous role at WSP in the UK, they held multiple positions including Associate Director of Rail Strategy and Appraisal from January 2020 to April 2021, Team Leader of Rail Strategy and Development from September 2017 to January 2020, and Project Manager from March 2015 to January 2020. Prior to that, they worked as a Project Manager at West Yorkshire Combined Authority from April 2014 to February 2015. Karen also gained valuable experience at Network Rail, where they served as a Commercial Scheme Sponsor from November 2012 to April 2014, Assistant Sponsor from September 2008 to November 2012, and Scheme Project Manager from October 2007 to September 2008. Their extensive background showcases their expertise in rail strategy, project management, and development.

Karen Heppenstall, ChPP, has a solid educational background. Karen obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Leadership from the University of Warwick in 2012. Prior to that, they completed a PostGraduate Certificate of Education with a focus on Secondary Education and Teaching (Geography) at Newcastle University from 2003 to 2004. In 1999, Karen received their Master of Science degree in Geography from the University of Alberta, where they studied from 1999 to 2001. Karen's undergraduate degree, a 2:1 in Geography, was earned from the University of Aberdeen, where they attended from 1995 to 1999.

Additionally, Karen has obtained the certification of Chartered Project Professional from the Association for Project Management in December 2019, showcasing their expertise in project management.