Northern Kentucky University Athletics

Karen Finan competed for the NKU volleyball team from 1977-1980. She enjoys serving on the Go Norse Fund Board as the University and athletic program breaks new ground for the community we all love. As a former student-athlete, her experience is rich with life-long bonds, career and life preparation. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve NKU. 

PROFESSIONAL 
Karen Finan is President & CEO of the Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance – a vibrant group of regional businesses leading the way in NKY! She concurrently served as interim President & CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED for 10 months as the economic development agency conducted a national search . Karen previously was a Partner with Gilman Partners where she originated the CRE/Economic Development executive recruiting practice and was responsible for generating new business for the firm.

Fortified with extensive background in a variety of industries, Karen worked for Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-ED) where she led many relocations/expansions at the national level accounting for over $250M in Capital investment in the Northern Kentucky region. She previously directed national marketing and new business efforts at Duke Realty Corporation and Duke Construction.

Finan was recently recognized by Cincinnati Magazine as a Top Leader; by the Lane Report as one of Kentucky’s Top Business Women and received the “Above and Beyond Award” from Redwood for her work as Board Chair. Named “Professional Woman to Watch” by Cincinnati.com based on largest deals completed and innovative initiatives and a recipient of NKY’s Outstanding Woman award, Karen holds a BA from Northern Kentucky University. She is engaged on the national level with the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). Locally she is Past Chair of the NKY Education Council as well as Aviatra Accelerators –an organization created to help educate and connect female entrepreneurs. Along with serving on the Go Norse Fund Board, she also serves on the Board of Notre Dame Academy, Northern Kentucky University Foundation Board and the Norse Athletic Council.