Candidate for
Treasurer-Tax Collector; County of Contra Costa

Karen Thibodeau is a Certified Public Accountant. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington with a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Business Administration.

Karen has served the taxpayers in various financial capacities, including positions in both state and local government. She served as Chief Deputy Treasurer for Thurston County, Washington and as Assistant Finance Director for the City of Bellevue, Washington. In addition, she performed audits of state agencies during her tenure with the Washington State Auditor.

Karen's private work experience includes ten years as a financial consultant in San Francisco at the largest Northern California public utility. She is currently employed by a large California bank. Karen is also a former member of the Washington Finance Officers Association Board of Directors.

Karen has lived in Contra Costa County for fifteen years. She and her husband make their home in Walnut Creek, where they have supported numerous organizations, including John Muir Caring Hands, Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Boosters, CYO Basketball, Walnut Creek Soccer Club, Mt. Diablo Soccer Club and many others.

She has also helped raise two step-children; Eric and Kaitlyn. Both children attended high school locally at Ygnacio Valley High and graduated in 2001 and 2005 respectively. Eric also attended the University of California San Diego and graduated in 2005. He is currently working on his MBA at Denver University. Kaitlyn graduated from the University of San Diego in 2009 and currently works at a law firm in San Diego.