Karen Elinski

Karen Elinski is a highly accomplished strategic consultant, executive leader, and public policy advocate with more than three decades of experience navigating complex government, regulatory, and legislative environments. As Principal Consultant at KME Strategies, she provides strategic counsel to organizations drawing on extensive expertise across government relations, public policy, financial services, banking, higher education, health care, and insurance. Her career reflects a unique combination of legal acumen, government affairs expertise, executive leadership, and persuasive advocacy. Karen began her professional journey in the New York State Legislature, where she developed an early understanding of the legislative and governmental processes that would become central to her career. She later earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Buffalo, followed by her J.D. from SUNY Buffalo Law School in 1988. After practicing as a litigator at a prominent Wall Street law firm, she returned to public policy and government relations, where she steadily advanced into senior executive leadership.

Over the course of her career, Karen has advised and represented organizations on some of the most complex public policy and regulatory issues at the federal and state levels. She served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Head of Government Relations and Public Policy at TIAA for nearly two decades before becoming Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy at Wells Fargo. These roles strengthened her reputation as a strategic thinker and effective advocate capable of working across government agencies, legislative bodies, business organizations, and other stakeholders. She is particularly recognized for her ability to understand governmental decision-making, anticipate regulatory developments, navigate challenging political dynamics, and build coalitions that lead to positive outcomes. In 2021, Karen established KME Strategies, allowing her to bring this extensive experience directly to clients while providing strategic guidance on public policy, regulatory affairs, government relations, and organizational priorities.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karen is deeply committed to leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and service. She has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Financial Women's Association, serving in leadership roles and currently as President, while also contributing to organizations through board and advisory positions, including service connected to higher education. She is passionate about advancing opportunities for women and promoting financial security, and she has been recognized for her leadership through honors including recognition among the Top 50 Irish Americans on Wall Street and a Women's Leadership Award. Karen also dedicates her time to pro bono human rights work, including political asylum matters, and has supported children in the Philippines through long-term sponsorship. She attributes much of her success to her ability to lead without formal authority, persuade and advocate effectively, and build strong relationships. She believes that mutually respectful and productive relationships are essential to both professional achievement and personal fulfillment, and she approaches leadership with integrity, confidence, collaboration, and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact.