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Karen Fraser is a life-long Washingtonian and Puget Sound-area resident. She was born in Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School. She earned two degrees from the University of Washington—a BA in Sociology (with departmental honors) and a Master of Public Administration from the Graduate School of Public Affairs (now renamed the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance).

Karen has lived in the state capital area for more than 50 years. She recently retired from a public service career that included serving in the state Senate for 24 years, holding several key leadership positions and receiving wide-ranging recognition for her service. Prior to this, Karen was elected State Representative, Thurston County Commissioner, President of the Washington State Association of Counties, and Lacey Mayor and City Council Member. She worked as a staff member for the Legislature and several state agencies.

She has been involved in a variety of ways with Evergreen since it was founded, serving as adjunct faculty in the MPA program for many years. As a legislator, she engaged with many of Evergreen’s legislative issues.

Karen has been active for many years in a wide variety of civic affairs, political activities, and outdoor recreation pursuits.