Our Voices: Meet Karen, Vice President of Construction

Comcast celebrates women and their contributions year-round. March is Women’s History Month and an opportunity to spotlight those who inspire others, like Karen, Vice President of Construction for our New England Region. 

Karen’s journey with the company started in 1990, and today she’s proud to share highlights from her career, including what motivates her and why she’s proud to work for Comcast.

Q. How many years have you been with Comcast and what does your role entail?

A. After nearly 35 years with the company, I am proud to serve as Vice President of Construction.  My current focus involves the expansion of Comcast’s state-of-the-art network into new areas throughout New England. Some recent projects include our expansion into Franklin, NH; Stratford, Norwalk and Wilton, CT, and Greensboro and Westmore, VT.

Q. What has your career journey looked like?

A. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in biology, I was uncertain about my career path. I stumbled upon a job posting for an installation technician at Comcast and little did I know that telecommunications would become part of my life for the next three and half decades.   

Throughout my first nine years at Comcast, I was an installation and service technician, involved with all aspects of cable operations – from customer installations to network maintenance and fiber expansion projects, including construction.  Balancing my role in the company while raising my four children was a rewarding challenge.

In 1999, I was promoted to technical supervisor, paving the way for further growth.  Within two years, I assumed the role of manager of technical operations, entering a new chapter of leadership. Expanding my horizons further, I embraced new leadership opportunities in customer service, plant maintenance, and workforce planning.

Since 2013, I’ve been supporting field operations teams, culminating in my move to New England as vice president. This role is a true passion of mine.   

Q. Starting out, what was it like to be a female technician?

A. In the 1990s, it was uncommon to see women driving vans, hauling and climbing ladders, and navigating crawl spaces or attics for cable installation. My technical proficiency, though, left a lasting impression on customers, making me stand out among my colleagues. I became the go-to person for assistance on complex projects, earning recognition for my skills.  

Over the years, I’ve witnessed more women joining and excelling in the technical field at Comcast, which has been inspiring.

Q. What advice have you received from your mentors that has made an impact on you?

A. Three pieces of advice that exemplify my career growth are:

• Always pursue the next opportunity
• Don’t shy away from new experiences
• Follow your passion

Q. What would you say to women who are interested in becoming a technician?

A. To all aspiring women, seize the opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-growing field where technology is constantly evolving. While the role may seem physically demanding at first, the right training, tools, and support make it an exciting and rewarding career. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back – embrace the challenge, and you’ll find limitless opportunities for growth and success.

Q. What makes you proud to work at Comcast?

A. I’ve been proud to work for Comcast for 35 years, where our commitment to customers, employees, and the communities we serve guides our business. It’s a privilege to work for a company that prioritizes integrity and service.  

Comcast also fosters long-lasting careers and invests in its employee and their growth. It’s not unusual for people to work at Comcast for 20 years or more, like one of my teammates who recently retired after 42 years of service!

Q. What’s your favorite Xfinity product?

A. My kids don’t live in the Northeast, so Xfinity Mobile keeps us connected no matter where we are. Plus, Xfinity Mobile uses PowerBoost technology to automatically connect us to millions of WiFi hotspots across the county, so we always have the fastest connection speeds!

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. I love the outdoors – water, camping, hiking and exploring. Moving to New England has enabled me to embrace the region’s historical sites and beautiful landscapes.  

Meet more of our incredible employees, including Carolyne, our Regional Senior Vice President, a few of our Xfinity Store Managers who reflected on mentorship advice, and two of our technicians Daniel and David, from Longmeadow MA.