Karen Lee Wins a Women of Influence Award

For the eleventh year, the Puget Sound Business Journal celebrated the Women of Influence award program that shines the spotlight on local businesswomen, community leaders and philanthropists who have made major contributions to both the business world and community at large. Karen Lee, CEO of Pioneer Human Services, was a recipient of the 2014 award along with 13 other honorees.

The Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence award program honors women within the business community who have the authority and power to move the needle in their business, are respected for accomplishments within their industries, give back to the community, and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within their field of influence.

In 2010, when Karen Lee was commissioner for the Employment Security Department, State of Washington, a Pioneer Human Services’ board member reached out to her about the CEO position at Pioneer. Pioneer’s mission to provide treatment, housing and employment services for people with criminal histories and chemical addiction issues really spoke to Karen and she was later chosen for the CEO position.

“We serve over 10,000 people a year who have either been released from prison or jail, and/or are struggling with chemical addiction issues. I wanted to lead the charge in helping people assimilate back into society after incarceration,” said Lee. She added, “Pioneer provides a chance for change to a population that has been forgotten.”

Read more about the award here and meet the other honorees.