The Full Circle: Meet the Partners 

Behind every policy shift, campaign, and successful project are people working thoughtfully and intentionally to move great ideas forward. The Partners series introduces you to the 360° perspective of our leadership who bring expertise, experience, big-picture thinking and purpose to their work, and who are committed to making an impact for the communities they serve. 

Building Common Ground as a Foundation for Great Work 

Our clients need consensus – from their teams internally, from a majority of voters or lawmakers debating a bill, from the general public to champion their brand. Whatever a client’s goal, navigating a multitude of voices to find common areas of interest helps move their work forward. For Karen Waters, this practice has been well-honed over her 30-plus year career in federal, state and local public affairs efforts.  

As the Partner overseeing S360’s Washington team of strategists including experts in public and government affairs, communications, research, education, marketing and creative services, Karen brings consensus-building leadership to the job every day. She also collaborates with the Oregon office to guide integrated Pacific Northwest efforts. Karen is known as an analytical, pragmatic, and results-oriented strategist who breaks down barriers and brings people together to affect change. She enjoys building networks and community for the long-term.  

Notably, she was instrumental in the creation of the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families to better serve the state’s most vulnerable young people. Karen started the education practice at Strategies 360. This work has increased state funding for children’s programs, won bond and levy campaigns, and has boosted enrollment in both K-12 and colleges. 

Prior to her consultancy career, Karen served as State Deputy Director for Senator Patty Murray. Among her many responsibilities, Karen supported the Senator’s work when she chaired the education committee, as well as Health and Human Services. Before that, she worked as a member of the White House Advance Team representing the Pacific Northwest with the Clinton Administration. By working so closely on vital public policy, Karen adopted the perspective that we can’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Her view is that when differing groups can join forces on issues that matter, build a coalition, and work collaboratively, great things can happen.  

On Leading S360’s Teams 

At S360, we will create a strategic approach for our clients based on the best available information with skilled teams needed to deliver that plan with excellence. Karen is adept at visualizing a client’s project with a 360° perspective and leads experts in every service area the firm offers. She knows which skills, expertise, and tools S360 can bring to each client’s project. Her approach to leadership is hands-on. As she says, “I believe there is no daylight between your words and your actions.” Karen is often leading client projects, making calls to key decision makers, organizing coalitions, editing important documents, and directing internal teams to align on every project deliverable, among the many other things her day-to-day may have in store. Her leadership is adaptable; willing to learn and grow, always rolling up her sleeves to problem solve and lend a helping hand, and always encouraging a laugh along the way. 

This philosophy permeates S360’s work for clients as well. Every project is well monitored, and as new information arises, our teams share our analysis, recommendations, and proposals for adapting strategies for the best chance at success. By taking a full-circle approach and adapting as conditions change, we work smart and stay focused on achieving our clients’ goals.  

Getting to Know Washington State: Karen’s Tourist Recommendations 

Karen knows Washington state well – not just the politics, but also the personalities. She picked up Pickleball with the rest of us, and enjoys the PNW’s great outdoors going on hikes and skiing.  

If you come to visit, she’ll tell you that Seattle is an incredible place; there are so many sites to see, places to eat, and teams to cheer. Do it all, and do it on foot, bike, bus, train, and boat. If you leave the city, she recommends a good hike in the Enchanted Valley along the Quinault River in the spectacular Olympic National Park. You can read more about this stunning landscape and its history in Timothy Egan’s book “The Good Rain.”