Karen Friese
Karen’s experience as an entrepreneur, building a civil engineering company from the ground up and successful sale and board experience qualify her to serve on a public or private company board.
CEO and Licensed Professional Engineer, business owner with profitable exit, successful infrastructure industry executive with over 40 years of experience. Founder and owner of K Friese & Associates, Inc. (KFA), which was built from a home-based startup into a 100-person, $18M annual revenue Texas civil engineering firm before executing a successful sale and merger to HW Lochner, an Egis Company, in 2023.
Currently serving on boards including the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Secretary) and the National Board of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), incoming Vice Chair of the National Executive Committee (term 2026–2028). Subject matter expert in water, wastewater, drainage, transportation, and aviation infrastructure for public sector clients throughout Texas, with a 20-year track record of building and leading high-performing engineering firms, managing complex municipal capital programs, and navigating firm acquisitions and integrations from both the seller and leadership sides.
Recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power finalist, WTS Employer of the Year, and North San Antonio Chamber Woman-owned Business of the Year, with deep civic leadership experience spanning City of Austin appointed boards, nonprofit governance, and national association leadership spanning more than 15 years.