Karen Bryant started her career in sports in 1996, as the director of operations for the American Basketball League’s Seattle Reign, where she later served as general manager. In 1999, she was recruited by the Seattle SuperSonics to lead the organization’s effort to secure a WNBA expansion franchise. In 2008, the Seattle Storm became an independent organization, upon the relocation of the SuperSonics. The same year, Bryant was named the Storm’s chief executive officer. Bryant is responsible for overseeing business and basketball operations for the organization, including long-term growth strategies and developing partnerships and initiatives focused on support for women and girls. With her leadership, Storm revenue has increased 162 percent. Under her leadership and guidance, the Storm won the WNBA championship in 2004 and 2010. In 2005, the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized her as one of their Women of Influence; in March of 2010, she was awarded the prestigious Health and Dignity Award by the Americans for UNFPA for her continued efforts toward elevating the status of women and advocacy for equality. Most recently, Bryant and the owners of the Seattle Storm were named Girl Scouts of America’s Women of Distinction. She was also honored as Seattle’s 2010 Sports Executive of the Year by the Seattle Sports Commission. Previously affiliated with King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and the Girl Scouts – Totem Council, Bryant is currently serving on the boards of the Seattle Sports Commission, the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County, and the Special Olympics of Washington.