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Active

Lori Karas

Executive Advisor

About Me

An executive advisor who collaborates with CEOs, Boards, and leadership teams to enhance governance, improve alignment, and provide clarity in decision-making. With over two decades of senior leadership experience across for-profit, not-for-profit, nonprofit, and State Government organizations. Additionally, an accomplished speaker, MC, and on-stage interviewer, often engaged to facilitate high-impact leadership conversations at conferences and executive forums.

Jurisdiction

United States

Experience

Seniority LevelExecutive
Years of Experience20+ years
Current StatusActive
CEOKaras Executive Services LLC
2026 - Present

Karas Executive Services LLC is an executive advisory and operational consulting firm focused on helping organizations strengthen alignment between strategy, talent, and execution. The firm works with leadership teams to improve organizational performance through operational clarity, workforce strategy, leadership alignment, and scalable business execution. Through executive advisory services and The Alignment Gap: Built for Performance executive briefings, Karas Executive Services explores the organizational dynamics that influence performance, leadership effectiveness, and sustainable growth.

Executive Director (Market CEO)Sunrise Senior Living
2024 - 2024

Led enterprise-wide operations across finance, HR, billing, payroll, and clinical functions for a multi-site senior living market, with full P&L accountability ($11M budget; 7 direct, 83 indirect reports). Implemented KPI and OKR governance and operating rhythms to drive accountability and measurable outcomes. • Achieved a 46% profit increase and 17% NOI growth within six months • Moved from lowest performing location in the region to top performer within 90 days of joining the company and stayed in that top spot. • Improved occupancy by 17%, budget adherence, and cost management through data-driven execution • Strengthened compliance, occupancy, and cost management through data-driven execution • Led affordable housing initiatives in partnership with local authorities

Deputy Assistant Secretary (COO)Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2021 - 2023

Oversaw enterprise operations spanning strategic sourcing, technology, analytics, workforce development, and local government enablement across the Commonwealth, supporting municipalities and public entities through policy implementation, procurement modernization, and operational improvement initiatives. Full P&L responsibility ($15M operating budget; revenue $55M+), with matrixed leadership across legal, HR, marketing, and fleet management. • Increased revenue 9% in year one and 11% in year two driving billions in downstream economic activity • Established KPI governance, execution cadence, and vendor accountability frameworks • Led digital modernization including CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management), CRM, eCommerce, and payment collections optimization • Strengthened supply chain resilience during COVID-19, including rapid procurement of PPE and critical goods • Refined procurement policies and compliance frameworks, reinforcing regulatory adherence and operational integrity. • Introduced Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Recognized Nationally for innovation in public sector procurement and operations

Consultant Motion Recruiters/Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2020 - 2021

Led statewide, enterprise-level crisis response initiatives, launching and scaling the COVID-19 Contact Center. Designed governance, workforce deployment, and cross-agency coordination models. • Improved operational throughput and service delivery for unemployment claims processing • Developed long-term resilience frameworks for statewide crisis response • Coached senior leaders on workforce optimization and interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Degree of MarketingSuffolk University
1990 - 1993

Skills

Core skills0
Languages1

Languages

English