Karen Lechman is in her sixth year as the director of operations, but her 11th year overall with the program as she was the administrative assistant prior to her promotion.

She has had an office management career since graduating college. Lechman has worked for companies in software development, commerical finance, scientific research and office products. Lechman was also a certified fitness instructor from 1993-2005 and taught kick-boxing and step aerobics.

Lechman earned her bacherlor's degree from Colorado in 1983 in communications. The former Karen Marcy has been married to Brian Lechman since 1985. The couple resides in Broomfield, Colo., and has two daughters, Mychelle and Kimberly.