Karen M. Jones is an accomplished IT and project management leader with more than two decades of experience transforming government operations through data-driven innovation, business process automation, and strategic leadership. As an IT Manager for the State of South Carolina, Karen oversees a multidisciplinary development team responsible for delivering enterprise reporting, automated workflows, and modernized solutions that support statewide tax administration and fiscal analysis.

As a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Public Manager (CPM), Karen has led initiatives that include the agency's paperless office transformation, the automation of statewide employee performance evaluations, and the rapid modernization of tax forms and communication systems. She manages a high-volume portfolio of IT projects with an on-time completion rate exceeding 83%, and is known for her ability to align people, processes, and technology to deliver measurable results.

With a strong background in business intelligence, economic research, and cross-functional collaboration, Karen has spent her career helping organizations use data to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency. She has also served as an economics faculty member at Benedict College and Limestone College, where she teaches macroeconomics and microeconomics and supports student development.

Karen holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Talladega College. She is widely recognized for her practical insights, analytical approach, and commitment to empowering teams and organizations through technology and innovation.

She is also owner of Sandhills Business & Consulting Associates, LLC and co-owner of DPJ Construction, LLC. In 2025, she passed the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam. Upon retirement, she plans to use this specialization in taxation to expand her consulting business.

Karen is also passionate about mentoring emerging professionals and fostering collaborative workplace cultures that encourage innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Throughout her career in public service and leadership, she has consistently emphasized the importance of professional development, strategic planning, and building systems that create long-term organizational value. Her ability to bridge technical expertise with practical business solutions has made her a trusted leader among colleagues, stakeholders, and executive teams alike.