Karen Burns
Karen Burns is currently the Assistant Head of School for Advancement for Gould Academy. She leads the efforts in fundraising, as well as alumni, community and family relations. She came to Gould after working for 9 years at the Island Institute, the nonprofit community development organization in Rockland, ME. As the Chief Leadership Officer, Karen worked with community leaders, designed and facilitated professional development, and managed a portfolio of major donors.
Prior to working at the Island Institute, she was an English and Theater teacher for 10 years on Vinalhaven Island. Karen has an undergraduate degree in English and Psychology from Amherst College and a Masters degree in Teaching from the University of Maine. She lives in Bethel with her husband Bruce, a propane technician at Community Energy; her son Brandon, a sophomore at Gould Academy who loves snowboarding and golf; her daughter Natalie, a 7th grader at Telstar Middle School who loves running and theater, and a curious and active Shepherd mix named Ollie.