Karen Boggess, MSW

Karen Boggess serves as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB), where she leads the organization in advancing its mission to strengthen children and families through strategic investments, community partnerships, advocacy, and innovation. Working closely with JWB’s Board of Directors, Community Councils, and community stakeholders, she helps guide solutions that address the evolving needs of Pinellas County.

A respected leader with more than two decades of experience in human services and nonprofit administration, Karen provides executive leadership for JWB’s investments in programs and services, while overseeing strategic planning, community initiatives, partnerships, outreach, and organizational operations. Her collaborative leadership style, grounded in listening, relationship-building, and accountability, enables her to bring diverse stakeholders together around sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Known for her ability to balance long-term vision with decisive action, Karen has earned the trust of colleagues and partners through her deep expertise, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Since joining JWB in 2005, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening nearly every facet of the organization. This includes contract management and program oversight; data and evaluation systems; strategic planning; fiscal stewardship; and external affairs.

Before relocating to the Tampa Bay area, Karen worked in New York’s children’s mental health system, building a foundation of experience that continues to inform her work today. She holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Tampa.

Karen’s dedication to Pinellas County is both professional and personal. As a proud mother of a son in Pinellas County Schools, she has generously given her time and leadership through service on her school’s Advisory Council and six years on the Board of the Epilepsy Services Foundation, including serving as Board President. Karen embraces her title as a baseball mom, spending countless evenings and weekends supporting young athletes and cheering from the sidelines throughout Pinellas County.