Name: Karen Carmen

Hometown: Cleveland

Occupation: Community Services Director, City of Beachwood

Favorite thing about her job: That's easy...our seniors! I love staging events for them. Thinking of an idea, working on making it happen and seeing people enjoy your efforts is always a thrill.

Proudest accomplishment: Most recent proudest moment is the 5th annual Green Dream last April. We had 4,500 attendees and over 120 vendors.  

My all-time favorite is Opening Day at the Beachwood Family Aquatic Center. Council and the Mayor poured water from all the seven continents into the pool. It took months to secure the water samples. My most challenging was Antartica...but I got it!

Why she went into her field: I've always been a planner. I started planning my own birthday parties in grade school. I like to organize and make "to do" lists.

You may not know: I've completed three half marathons and I am a huge Survivor fan.