Employee Spotlight Karen
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (12/18/2019) The spotlight shines on Karen a Project Coordinator for Customer and System Projects (C&SP) out of Bellingham who started with PSE nearly 35 years ago. Karen enjoys the great people she works with at PSE and that’s one of the reasons she wanted to work here.
Read more about the best advice Karen has received and what she enjoys to do in her free time.
What do you do at PSE and how long have you been here?
I am a Project Coordinator in the (C&SP) Department and I work out of the Bellingham Service Center. I have worked for PSE (with a few breaks) since 1985.
Why did you want to work here?
I had heard how great "Puget Sound Power and Light" was to work for (great people, atmosphere, benefits, opportunities) and a friend of mine suggested that I apply. I got hired and worked in the downtown Bellingham office in the weatherization and conservation department.
What's the best or favorite part about your job?
I work with a great group of people and we genuinely care about each other.
What one thing do you need to know really well to do your job?
Perseverance
What are you most proud of working at PSE?
For the dedication and hard work that it takes to get our customer’s power back on during the very tough and dangerous weather storm conditions.
Of PSE's values, which resonates most with you and why?
"We do what’s right". It is very important to be accountable in the work that you do and be kind to our customer’s both internally and externally. Makes a huge difference in your day-to-day work.
What’s your favorite place to eat?
The "Hula Grill" in Maui.
What's your favorite vacation spot? Why?
Maui. Because it is so beautiful and when I am there I totally relax and forget about the "real world" here…
If you could do any job in the world for one day, what would it be?
I would like to be the “Sports Commentator” on the sidelines for NFL football! Move over Erin Andrews and Suzy Kolber! HA.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
There are “wants” and there are “needs”… Think about this when you are in the process of making major decisions.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I would be a “Seahawk” (Osprey) so I could fly to every Seahawk game and not have to pay to get in.
What do you like to do outside of work? Any interesting hobbies or community service activities?
Go to Seahawk games with my brother, play tennis with my buddy, Jane, visit family in California, hang out with my friends and family and find the “sun” in Maui on vacation with my husband, Mike.
I was on the Board for Whatcom Hospice for 10 years and sincerely loved the work and volunteering for such a worthy cause. I am currently considering volunteering for another Foundation, however, have not yet dialed it in. My goal will be to do so in 2020.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
To cure cancer.
If you could be on any reality TV show, which would you choose and why?
I would like to be on the “Ellen DeGeneres – Game of Games” show. She is hilarious! It would be a challenge to participate in some of the games, and there would be a lot of laughter involved, which we all could use more of these days!
Who would play you in the movie about your life?
My Sister, because people often think we are twins. She definitely knows my life story so it would be accurate! She would need acting lessons though…😃
Do you have a pet?
Two cats, Monchooie and Izzie. They are cool cats and very spoiled.
If you’re comfortable sharing, tell us about your family.
I am the youngest of four kids and have lived in Washington State my entire life. Our family grew up in Oak Harbor/Snohomish and I moved to Bellingham 40 years ago and have been married to Mike for 34 years. We both hope to take a motorhome trip through the United States one day when we are both retired. Neither of us really like to sit in cars too long, so it could be interesting!
--Karen
