Karen Rasch

Karen Rasch is GG+A’s Chief People Officer, leading the firm in developing strategies and programs that attract, nurture, and retain top talent. In addition to fostering an environment of continuous learning and collaboration at the firm, Karen serves as an advisor and strategic thought partner to the CEO and senior leadership team. She brings more than 25 years of experience to her role, with expertise in recruiting; talent acquisition and management; professional development and training; advancement support; human resources; and communications. 

Prior to joining GG+A, Karen served in director positions in talent management for several universities domestically and overseas. These include Georgetown University (GU) and its branch campus in Qatar (GU-Q); Loyola University Maryland; Northeastern University (NU) in Boston; and most recently, Washington State University (WSU). 

At WSU, Karen served as the first Senior Director of Talent Management, supporting talent development, ongoing learning, performance management, and career pathing for advancement professionals across the University system. Moreover, she served as the lead recruiter for dozens of successful searches – including three Associate Vice President positions – and consulted on a variety of searches for senior leadership roles. Karen also launched an advancement mentorship program, served on WSU’s COVID taskforce, and facilitated multiple talent management sponsored trainings and team retreats.  

Previously, as the Director of Talent Management at Shorelight Education, Karen guided global talent management efforts for a leading international student marketplace connecting international students, universities, and service providers. Among her many professional contributions, she has developed curriculum for customized trainings, created strategies and frameworks for companywide recruitment and retention efforts, and managed performance evaluation systems and processes. Notably, at Georgetown, she supported the University’s $1.5-billion campaign through recruiting, screening, and interviewing candidates for a 225-person advancement team.  

Karen was recognized with a “Next Generation Leader” award from Loyola University Maryland and received both the Outstanding Advancement Employee and the HR Recognition Award from Georgetown University. She also received the Superstar Award from Aquent, a global talent management company where she served as the Director of Recruiting earlier in her career. 

Karen completed her Ph.D. (abd) in theatre, with a minor in English, from the University of Missouri; her M.F.A in theatre from Florida State University; and her B.F.A. in theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University. Additionally, she holds a Higher Education Certificate from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, has completed coaching certification with the Coaching Federation, and is a CliftonStrengths Certified Coach. She has volunteered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity providing resume reviews and interview preparation. Karen has also supported a variety of charitable organizations, including GrubStreet, a nonprofit creative writing center in Boston; World Central Kitchen; Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center; and UAnimals, an international organization advocating for the humane treatment of animals.