Loading...

Loading...

A headshot of Karen Garrett

Karen Garrett

Board of Directors, Sunrise Banks

About Karen

Karen Garrett joined the Board of Directors at Sunrise Banks in 2022. She is considered an industry expert on the complex challenges and evolving opportunities in the financial technology (fintech) industry. Karen has nearly 40 years of legal and strategic counsel experience in facilitating the successful development of digital and emerging payment products.

Previous Experience

Karen most recently served as partner at Stinson, LLP in Kansas City, Mo. She was responsible for mobilizing multidisciplinary teams across a 500-attorney firm to help multiple clients bring innovative products and services to market, including treasury management, neo-bank products, payment card services, mobile banking and small business lending platforms. Karen also co-led the firm’s financial services practice group, mentoring and developing new talent, growing a partner base and generating new business.

Prior to joining Stinson, Karen served in leadership and general counsel roles at Bryan Cave, LLP (now Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner), UMB Bank and Watson, Ess, Marshall & Enggas.

Education

Karen earned her J.D. from Northwestern University and her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri.

Board and Community Involvement

Karen has extensive experience serving on both corporate and nonprofit boards. In addition to her board role at Sunrise Banks, she has served on boards for New Covenant Trust Company, TCB Enterprises, Lindwood Place Real Estate, National Association of Corporate Directors – Heartland Chapter, Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation, Village Presbyterian Church (Prairie Village, Kan.), Front Porch Alliance and Women Corporate Directors – Kansas City Chapter.

Public Speaking and Awards

Karen has become a sought-after national speaker by a variety of industry professional groups on topics including fintech trends and challenges, payment systems, and delivery of financial products.

Karen has earned the Best Lawyers in America designation since 2008. She was named Lawyer of the Year for Kansas City Banking and Finance Law (issued by Best Lawyers in America) in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2021. She also earned the Lexology Client Choice Award in 2019.

Return to Board of Directors

You are now leaving Sunrise Banks’ website. We are not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites.

Stay Here Leave Site