HydroVision International 2019

Karen Ashley
Chief Division & Inclusion Officer
American Electric Power


Karen A. Ashley Biography Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer American Electric Power Karen Ashley is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for American Electric Power (AEP). In this position, she is responsible for establishing the vision, organizational strategy and short-, medium- and long-term goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion at AEP. She is an energetic and accomplished diversity and inclusion management professional with more than 25 years of experience leading productive teams in a variety of industries including energy, utilities, construction, health and retail. Karen joined AEP in December 2016 as director, Diversity and Inclusion. Prior to that, she was employed by Southern Company in Atlanta, Georgia. She joined Southern Company in 2007 as a Human Resources Business Consultant supporting Georgia Power’s Generation Business Unit. She moved to the Diversity and Inclusion organization in 2012 becoming responsible for providing direct supervision to the company’s nine Employee Resource Groups. Previously, Karen was employed by Ashland, Inc. During her tenure with Ashland, she held a number of positions including Supervisor of Compensation and Benefits, Human Resources Manager and Talent Management Manager. She also served on the Ashland Diversity Council. Karen is originally from San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas, Karen was employed by the San Antonio Water System, University of Texas Health Science Center, Texas Med Clinic and QVC and held various positions ranging from Recruiter to Human Resources Director. She received a Master of Arts degree from Webster University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Texas.

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