Karen H. Williams

Karen H. Williams joined the Portsmouth Economic Development team in November 2023 as the Administrative Coordinator II.

Karen grew up in Hampton Roads and has over 40 years of management, administrative, and organizational experience in merchandise management, small business development and governmental organization.

Prior to joining Portsmouth Economic Development, Karen worked 25 years with the Belk organization, winning “Store Manager of the Year”. In 2003, she opened “Karen’s For Kids”. As a small business owner, Karen was selected “Small Business of the Year” for Suffolk by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, Karen began her career in government as the Community Outreach Coordinator and was promoted to Chief Administrative Manager responsible for the day to day operations of Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in the City of Suffolk for 14 years.

She is dedicated to serving the staff, citizens and businesses of Portsmouth, developing and maintaining relationships that will continue to grow through the years.