Karen Freeman

Karen Freeman is the USAID mission director in Kenya. Most recently, she served as senior deputy mission director in Islamabad, Pakistan, the Agency’s second largest program in the world.

Freeman began her career with USAID in 1983 in the Office of Central American Affairs. In 1990, she joined the international development intern program and served in El Salvador, later becoming deputy program officer.

In 1994, she served in South Africa as deputy program officer, becoming director of program and project development in 1998. From 2000-2002, she served as chief of program and project development in Uganda.

From 2002-2005, Freeman served as deputy mission director in Ethiopia. She also served as acting mission director during humanitarian crises in 2002-2003, and directed the delivery of over $530 million in relief.  Beginning In 2006, Freeman served as mission director in Zimbabwe for five years, overseeing a program to ensure the country's well-being during historic hyperinflation, political transition and violence.

Freeman holds an undergraduate degree in international relations from Boston University, and a Master's in strategic policy making from the National War College.