Karen McCarthy

Karen McCarthy is a seasoned leader and strategist with more than 30 years of experience across communications, public affairs, government relations, customer service, and corporate governance. She currently serves as Vice President of Communications and Government Relations at Fortis Inc., a leading North American energy company with operations in Canada, the United States, and the Cayman Islands.

Before joining the utility sector, Ms. McCarthy served as President of an Atlantic Canadian public affairs consulting firm for seven years and spent 15 years in the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial public service. During her public service career, she held senior roles in communications, cabinet operations, energy, labour relations, and intergovernmental affairs.

She holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Master of Education (Leadership) from Memorial University. In 2017, she earned the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration, with a focus on corporate governance and social responsibility.

Ms. McCarthy is Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Independent Appointments Commission, Past Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors, and a former Regent and Committee Chair on Memorial University’s Board of Regents. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Maritime Electric, a Fortis utility, and is active within the Canadian Electricity Association and the Edison Electric Institute.

Deeply committed to community leadership, Ms. McCarthy was awarded the Confederation 75th Anniversary Medal for her contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador. She is honoured to volunteer for a second year as Co-Chair of the Light The Night St. John’s campaign, having witnessed firsthand the powerful impact that fundraising and awareness can have on the blood cancer community.