Jennifer Karr-Lee

Jennifer Karr-Lee has 20 years of experience in frontline and corporate leadership and program strategy, leading diverse teams focused on employee and customer experience and engagement. With an educational background in psychology, Jen is passionate about strengthening and innovating the employee experience wherever she works, believing deeply that engaged employees are the best asset a company can have.

Originally from the East Coast, Jen relocated to the Seattle area in 2003 after completing her MA in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and joined REI as a seasonal stocker in the Seattle Flagship store. Over the following 15 years, she grew her career at REI through all levels of retail management and spent six years on REI’s corporate team leading company-wide employee engagement programs.

Outside of work, Jen is a mom, Seattle Public School volunteer, and avid outdoorswoman who enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, trapezing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

A light-skinned woman standing outside smiling.
  • 7 people stand holding certificates. One person is holding a white cane and another has a dog guide.

    Lighthouse is Awarded 2024 Inspiration Foundation Assistive Technology Grant

    May 16th, 2024

    The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of a 2024 Inspiration Foundation Assistive Technology Grant! The Inspiration Foundation (a family foundation created by Cleanlogic founder and CEO, [...]

  • Close up image of two hands grasping two older, more wrinkled hands.

    Illuminating Lives Together: How Empowering People Supports the Lighthouse

    March 14th, 2024

    At the heart of Spokane, Washington, lies a beacon of hope for the visually impaired - the Lighthouse. One of the reasons our institution stands tall is because of support from organizations like Empowering People. Empowering People: A Catalyst for Change Empowering [...]

  • Ballroom with round tables; in the foreground is a table of attendees. From left to right: Sara Desautel, Bank of America; Gab Decastro; Everett Elam, Computer and Assistive Technology Instructor; Jonathan Dymond Senior Donor Relations Manager; Greg Szabo, Director of Government & Public Relations; Raychel Callary, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Volunteer; George Abbott, President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

    Supporting People Who are Blind in the Greater Spokane Community – Opportunities Breakfast

    March 6th, 2024

    Last week, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. hosted our annual Opportunities Breakfast, a transformative morning dedicated to celebrating the lives of individuals who are blind and DeafBlind in the Greater Spokane Community. The [...]