Director
Karen Allen is Director of Development for the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), a non-profit organization that designs and implements solar energy solutions for those living in remote, rural villages in the developing world. Her work at SELF brings her full circle to her early career when she spent time in the Central and South American bush. There, she witnessed first-hand the consequences of energy poverty.
Karen also brings over 30 years of development and public affairs experience in conservation and wildlife to NEAVS’ Board. At Chimp Haven, the national chimpanzee sanctuary, she served as the National Advancement Director, and raised funds to house and care for more than 200 chimpanzees retired from laboratory research, formerly kept as pets, or used in entertainment.
Prior to Chimp Haven, Karen was President of the Communications Office, a communications and development consulting firm specializing in natural history and conservation. Among her clients were the Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center and Conservation Research Center; the African Wildlife Foundation, and the National Zoo.
Karen also served as Public Affairs Director at Conservation International where she wrote and lectured on “Conservation and Cultural Sensitivity.”
“I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am to serve in the company of passionate, committed animal welfare activists who will not give up until animal research is stopped. Thank you for the privilege to serve on the NEAVS' Board of Directors.”