Karen Franz is the President and CEO of AKRF, Inc., an award-winning, 400-employee professional services firm based in New York City. She is an inspiring leader who embodies AKRF’s mission, vision, and values and promotes operational improvements and sustained growth. She previously managed the firm’s engineering group, leading major New York City initiatives to bring resilient and sustainable infrastructure to local communities. Karen is a longtime mentor of emerging leaders through the WTS Greater New York Chapter. She has been honored for leadership achievements by Coro New York, Crain’s New York Business, Professional Women in Construction New York, and other industry and media organizations. Karen is a Board Member of ACEC New York.