Built Oregon Announces New Board Chair
I am thrilled to announce that Karmen Olson has been elected as Built Oregon’s new Board Chair!
Karmen brings invaluable experience as Head of Strategy at WLCR.io and founder of XOKO Food & Beverage Strategy. Her impressive background includes serving as Director of Strategic Partnerships and New Ventures at Anheuser-Busch, where she drove innovation and growth, including launching the company’s first Black founder-led venture. She also founded The pH Experiment, successfully bringing multiple new products to market and building strong co-creator communities.
What truly sets Karmen apart is her strategic thinking combined with her genuine passion for supporting entrepreneurs. I’ve personally witnessed her ability to connect with founders, drive results, and champion innovation in the consumer products space. These qualities make her the ideal leader to guide our organization forward as we work to establish Oregon as a leader in consumer products development and innovation.
Having known and worked with Karmen during her time on our board over the past year, I couldn’t be more excited about this appointment. What impresses me most about Karmen is her unique combination of deep industry expertise and authentic leadership style that perfectly aligns with Built Oregon’s mission.
Under Karmen’s leadership, Built Oregon will continue to strengthen its position as a catalyst for consumer brands in Oregon. Her experience in bringing new products to market and supporting diverse founders aligns perfectly with our commitment to making Oregon a hub for consumer product development and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all entrepreneurs.
Karmen will be supported by an exceptional executive committee and board. Our executive committee includes Michelle Wald as Vice Chair, Scott Davidson as Secretary, and Aline Orozco as Treasurer. They are joined by our dedicated board members Stephen Green, Jason Bolt, and Noelle Lopez.
Together, this talented group brings diverse perspectives and deep expertise that will help drive Built Oregon’s mission forward.
Please join me in welcoming Karmen Olson as Built Oregon’s new Board Chair!
Katharine Reinhold
Executive Director
Built Oregon