2019 40 Under 40: Karen Braun, 39

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

As community engagement manager for Mercy Springfield Communities, Karen Braun is passionate about bringing people together for a common cause.

During the past 12 years, Braun has managed and served on numerous committees within Mercy – including Force For Good and the Mercy Co-Worker Crisis Fund.

She is the marketing representative for Mercy’s three Springfield hospitals and other local clinics.

The Missouri State University graduate is also a board member for Springfield Catholic Schools and Isabel’s House Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks and lends her talents to The Junior League of Springfield Missouri Inc., The American Advertising Federation of the Ozarks and American Heart Association Inc.

What was your first job? My first job was at Video Depot in 1995. You know, back in the day when we watched movies on VCRs.

What did you learn the hard way? I often take on too many tasks, and sometimes think others can and should do the same.

What’s your most treasured possession? My wedding ring. It’s my constant reminder of the vows I said, the relationship with my husband and the life we’ve made together.

Have you ever met a celebrity? Walter Cronkite. He was born in St. Joseph, near my hometown, and having him come to Springfield in 2001 shortly after I started my first job out of college at Ozarks Public Broadcasting was a pinch-me moment.