Karyn Barsa

Karyn Barsa has led vibrant premium-brand organizations as a CEO, COO, and CFO and has extensive experience as a board member for both public and private companies. For the boards of two NYSE companies, Karyn’s roles on Audit, Risk, and Compensation committees were integral to the successful engagement and resolution of activist investor agendas.

Karyn maintains extensive knowledge of the evolving landscape of “best practices” in the boardroom and is a valued mentor for management team members and new board members. She lends advice and counsel to strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, brand building, and various other areas that benefit from her leadership experience in both finance and operations.

Karyn’s 30+ years in business management include investment banking, turnaround corporate finance, and leadership of emerging and established multi-channel brands. She has held C-level management roles at Patagonia, Smith & Hawken, Coyuchi, and Investors’ Circle (a non-profit organization). Karyn has spoken at various conferences and universities about business practices and board effectiveness. She holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a BA in Economics from Connecticut College.