Karla was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University. She fell in love with Carlsbad during her teenage years when she visited to spend time with family.
As an adult, Karla moved to New London, Connecticut, where she adapted to the colder climate and worked at an orthodontic office. She enjoyed the small-town festivals and the beach, but despite her fondness for Connecticut and the friendships she made, she decided it was too far from her family. She relocated to Amarillo, Texas, where her two children, Parker and Hollyann, were born. During this time, Karla was a stay-at-home mom and also worked at her church's Mother’s Day Out program, teaching the two-year-old class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Sunday School for children from birth to four years old.
In 1998, Karla moved to Carlsbad to be closer to the family she cherished from her teenage years. She continued as a stay-at-home mom while teaching the two-year-old class at First United Methodist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Sunday School at Sunset Church of Christ.
As her children entered school, Karla began to focus more on her career while continuing her community involvement. She volunteered on the boards of her children’s Little League team, high school swim team and choir booster club. This involvement allowed her to stay deeply connected to her children’s activities and contribute to their extracurricular development.
Karla brings over 20 years of experience in public relations, with roles in workforce development, economic development, and public and government affairs. She currently serves as the Director of Development and Communications at CARC Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities lead active and productive lives.
In addition to her professional role, Karla is the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Carlsbad, volunteers for Inspired by Science, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs committee.
In her leisure time, Karla enjoys riding her scooter around town with her husband Bill, boating on the Pecos River with him, and paddle boarding with friends and family. You can often find her at various local events promoting Carlsbad and its community.