2019 New Teachers Celebration

For over 25 years, this collaboration of partners has welcomed new teachers to Renton. The event gives local businesses a chance to introduce themselves and celebrate education. Now re-branded as the New Teacher's Celebration, we provide the teachers with a lovely breakfast and keynote. Additionally we ask that local businesses provide the teachers with discounts for a specified week.
Please join the Renton Chamber of Commerce in welcoming new teachers to the Renton community.

The Chamber is pleased to announce Karen Lee as our keynote speaker.
 
Karen Lee is Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Human Services, one of the nation’s largest social enterprise organizations. Pioneer is often cited as a national model in providing employment services, job training, treatment, counseling, housing, and re-entry services for people overcoming challenges with chemical dependency, mental illness, and criminal histories.

Prior to her appointment at Pioneer, Lee served for five years as Commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department. Karen also held a variety of positions from 1997 to 2005 at Puget Sound Energy and as an Associate Attorney at Preston Gates Ellis (now K & L Gates).

Lee, a Covington resident, was appointed by the Governor to the State Reentry Council and the Washington Student Achievement Council. She is currently serving her second term on the Board of Trustees for Western Washington University.  Karen is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, and past president and trustee of the University of Washington Alumni Association.   Lee was previously named one of the “40 under 40” honorees by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Lee earned her bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, majoring in Russian studies, and holds a law degree from the University Of Washington School Of Law.