Karen developed an interest in hydrocarbon management, supply and optimization planning early in her career and in her 35 years in the Refining and Petrochemical industry has held most of the roles associated with Refinery Economics and Scheduling including business coordinator for gasoline, aromatics and lubricants, economic model (linear programs and scheduling models) coordinator, and Economics and Scheduling manager. This background was useful in her most recent role as a hydrocarbon management consultant doing margin improvement, master planning, and project development projects for clients in E&P, Supply, Refining, Chemicals, and Alternate Fuels businesses for Shell and non-Shell clients.