Karen Whetzel has served in various roles in the education field in Shenandoah County.  She began as a library media specialist and teacher before serving as a high school principal, and then as a central office administrator.  Ms. Whetzel also has served in various leadership roles throughout her professional career, including the Virginia Education Association Board of Directors, and Chairman of the VHSL.  Ms. Whetzel retired in 2009 and was elected to the Shenandoah County School Board in 2010.  She became Vice Chair in 2014 and assumed the role of Chair of the Board in 2016.  While serving as Chair, Ms. Whetzel recently acquired first-hand experience leading the Board through a significant, high-profile Title IX related process and investigation.