Karen.Washbush@redcross.org

Karen Washbush is the Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Chapter of the American Red Cross. She joined the Red Cross in 2016 as a major gift officer for the Ohio Buckeye Region and later became a regional philanthropy officer for the Central and Southern Ohio Region. Karen has consistently demonstrated success in various roles within the Financial Development team, leading to her promotion to Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer in 2022. She also served as the Interim Executive Director for the Greater Columbus Chapter in 2022.

Before her tenure at the American Red Cross, Karen held leadership positions at The Columbus Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Catholic Social Services.

Karen graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During her time at Bowling Green, she served as co-president of the student body and was the student representative to the Academic Council, Faculty Senate, and several professor selection committees. She was honored with the President’s Award for her service. Additionally, Karen earned a Master's Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership Development. She is a Columbus Business First Forty Under 40 recipient and a graduate of Leadership Columbus.