Karen Schenck is a highly accomplished global supply chain and procurement executive whose career spans more than three decades of progressive leadership in international sourcing, logistics, and operational strategy. With deep expertise rooted in the seafood and importing industries, she has built a reputation as a transformative leader who identifies inefficiencies, aligns cross-functional teams, and delivers sustainable improvements across complex global operations. Her ability to see the “big picture” while executing with precision has consistently positioned her as a trusted strategic partner within executive leadership teams.
Karen’s professional journey is defined by steady advancement through increasingly complex roles, culminating in her tenure as Vice President of Procurement & Logistics at Aqua Star Corp. Over 25 years with the organization, she evolved from an import and transportation specialist into a senior executive responsible for overseeing global procurement strategies, international logistics networks, and operational transformation initiatives. Her career trajectory reflects both her deep institutional knowledge and her ability to adapt to changing global market dynamics.
Throughout her time at Aqua Star, Karen played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s logistics and procurement infrastructure. She led the development and execution of a multi-phase strategy to centralize logistics functions, integrating domestic transportation, import operations, and warehousing into a cohesive, high-performing system. This transformation not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced collaboration across departments, enabling the organization to respond more effectively to customer demands and market fluctuations.
Karen’s expertise extends deeply into global sourcing, particularly across Southeast Asia, where she has cultivated strong supplier relationships in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, and China. Her international experience is marked by hands-on engagement, including facility audits, supplier negotiations, and the development of diversified sourcing strategies that mitigate risk and ensure consistent product quality. Her global perspective allows her to navigate cultural nuances and regulatory complexities with confidence and insight.
A recognized expert in regulatory compliance, Karen has overseen critical processes related to the importation of seafood into North America. Her knowledge of FDA regulations, NOAA/SIMP requirements, US Customs protocols, and international trade policies has ensured that her organizations maintain the highest standards of compliance while minimizing disruption. She has successfully managed complex scenarios involving tariffs, audits, and product reconditioning, demonstrating both technical expertise and strategic problem-solving capabilities.
In addition to her operational leadership, Karen has consistently demonstrated a strong financial acumen. Her experience in forecasting, budgeting, and contract negotiation has enabled her to drive cost efficiencies and optimize margins across the supply chain. By analyzing distribution expenses, negotiating storage agreements, and establishing new distribution centers, she has contributed directly to improved profitability and enhanced service delivery.
Karen’s leadership style is grounded in collaboration and empowerment. She is known for breaking down silos between departments and fostering a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement. By aligning teams across sales, operations, product development, quality assurance, finance, and IT, she has created environments where innovation can thrive and organizational goals can be achieved more effectively. Her ability to build synergies between teams is one of her most defining strengths.
Her earlier career experiences further shaped her comprehensive understanding of the industry. At North Pacific Seafoods, she developed foundational expertise in inventory management, export operations, and customer relations. These early roles provided her with a holistic view of the supply chain, from order processing and invoicing to international documentation and logistics coordination, laying the groundwork for her future leadership success.
Karen’s academic achievements complement her professional accomplishments. She earned her MBA with a Global Business Certificate from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, where she focused on supply chain management and international business. This advanced education enhanced her strategic thinking and provided her with the tools to navigate the complexities of global commerce. Her undergraduate studies in English and German further contribute to her strong communication skills and analytical mindset.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Karen is driven by a personal mission centered on collaboration, sustainability, and continuous improvement. She is passionate about leveraging her experience to help organizations achieve their strategic objectives while maintaining a commitment to ethical and equitable practices. Her interests in swimming, river fishing, and seafood reflect both her personal connection to her industry and her appreciation for balance and well-being.
As she seeks to expand her impact through board service, Karen brings a unique combination of operational expertise, global perspective, and strategic insight. She is particularly well-suited to organizations navigating complex supply chains, seeking operational efficiencies, or expanding into international markets. Her ability to connect vision with execution makes her a valuable asset to any board looking to drive meaningful and lasting change.
Karen distinguishes herself as a leader who not only understands the intricacies of global supply chains but also possesses the foresight to anticipate challenges and the discipline to implement effective solutions. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence, a passion for innovation, and a dedication to helping organizations thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Character:
Karen demonstrates integrity and accountability in every aspect of her leadership, consistently prioritizing ethical decision-making and long-term sustainability. She is deeply committed to fostering collaboration and trust among stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are respected and integrated into strategic initiatives. Her resilience and adaptability enable her to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a steady and principled approach.
Knowledge:
She possesses extensive expertise in global sourcing, logistics, and regulatory compliance, built over decades of hands-on experience in international markets. She has a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, financial forecasting, and operational efficiencies, allowing her to make informed and impactful decisions. Her continuous pursuit of learning ensures she remains current with evolving industry trends and best practices.
Strategic:
Karen excels at identifying inefficiencies and developing actionable strategies that drive organizational transformation and growth. She has a proven ability to align operational execution with broader business objectives, ensuring that initiatives deliver measurable results. Her forward-thinking mindset enables her to anticipate market shifts and position organizations for long-term success.
Communication:
A clear and effective communicator who bridges gaps between cross-functional teams and aligns stakeholders around shared goals. She has the ability to translate complex operational concepts into actionable insights that resonate at both the executive and operational levels. Her collaborative communication style fosters transparency, engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement.
