Karen Paratore

StrataFusion, Alumni

kparatore@stratafusion.com

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Karen Paratore is an IT executive with over 15 years of experience in the design and delivery of cost-effective, high-performance technology solutions that improve efficiencies, productivity and competitive standing. As a skilled IT leader with a track record of success in managing technology teams and complex projects, Karen dedicates most of her energy toward scaling IT infrastructure, systems and IT organizations.

Experience

Most recently, Karen was co-CIO (CTO) of a Global law firm with 1600 employees, 700 Attorneys, and 15 offices worldwide. In this role, she successfully partnered with firm management and other business leaders to ensure Information Technology’s infrastructure and technology investments were aligned with the firm’s long-term strategic vision and operational goals. She directed all IT resource planning, budgeting and operational initiatives for a 95 person global technology team with a focus on system integration, enterprise architectures, data center operations, and data security.

Prior to the law firm, Karen spent eight years with Charles Schwab as a Managing Director of Data Center Operations where she built a support organization from the ground up tailored to meet the specific challenges and business needs of the rapidly growing Mutual Fund Enterprise. A customer focused leader, she was awarded the “Chair’s Excellence in Service Award” in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2003. Karen's early work experience within several different infrastructure groups provided her with hands on technical knowledge and expertise.

Education

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland. She is a graduate of “Leading Edge” (12 month, Leadership Development Program). Karen is a strong advocate for women in IT and has spoken at industry forums on this subject. She was a guest speaker at VM World’s first “Women of Purpose” event. She has also mentored many up-and-coming women working within the industry.