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Karen (Yedinak) Tikkanen has a diverse work experience spanning over several industries. Karen most recently retired from the NC Community College System in February 2023. Prior to that, they served as the State Director Of Workforce Continuing Education for the North Carolina Community College System starting in February 2019. Karen also held the position of Director of Occupational Education and Workforce Development at Alamance Community College from August 2017 to January 2019 and worked as an Instructor in Business & Industry from August 2011 to August 2017.

Before transitioning into the education sector, Karen worked at LabCorp as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Trainer from February 2010 to August 2017. Prior to that, they were the Quality and Safety Manager at Boxboard Products from April 2004 to May 2009. Karen'searly career includes a role as the Quality Manager at Legrand/Pass & Seymour starting in 1998, where they achieved ISO900-2000 certification for the plant and implemented various initiatives to improve quality and reduce scrap and customer complaint rates. Karen initially had thirty direct reports, which they later reduced to three through departmental restructuring.

Karen (Yedinak) Tikkanen holds a Master's Degree in Technology Management, which was obtained from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Karen completed this degree from 1990 to 1992. Prior to this, Karen earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from The State University of New York, graduating in 1988. Karen'seducation journey began at Michigan Technological University, where they studied Metallurgical Engineering from 1977 to 1982. In addition to their formal education, they have also obtained certifications in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from North Carolina State University in July 2011 and in 360 Degree Assessor from the Center for Creative Leadership. Further details about the completion dates of the certification are not available.