Karen Wiese is a seasoned professional with 42 years’ experience in leadership, business management and consulting. She has served as president and chief executive officer of five hospitals. For the last 16 years, Karen has been the Executive Director/Producer of Arts Express Theatre.

Karen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA in Statistics and has been a featured speaker before Congress as well as at national professional conferences. While going to college by day, Karen made a living as a pianist, vocalist, director and arranger/composer. Throughout those years, she composed and arranged choral and orchestral music and directed various concerts and variety shows in Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia and North Carolina, working with several soon-to-be-famous artists such as the Neville Brothers, John Cullum and Susan Powell. After transitioning from a successful career in hospital leadership to Arts Express Theatre, Karen has grown the company’s market reach 15-fold, produced over 125 shows, and developed collaborative relationships with Park Place, Broadway in Tucson, Fox Tucson Theatre and others. With a specialty in strategic development, Karen applies her skills to unite all of Southern Arizona through “The Power of Musical Theatre.”

Some scenes from our May 8 meeting.

1-President Jeff Hamstra returns!

2-Tucson Rodeo Committee member Phil Felix thanks the club for its efforts with beer sales at the Tucson Rodeo

3-Phil Felix presents Jeff Hamstra with a really big check

4-Jeff Hamstra, & Jo Anne Westerman present Phil Felix with a check for his foundation

5-Foundation Chair B.J. Cordova presents Steve Pender with his Paul Harris +8 pin

6-Jeff Hamstra recognizes B.J. Cordova as a Rotary Foundation Benefactor

7-Sergeant-at-Arms Pat Egbert in action

8-Liz Wilson offers B. J. Cordova a chance to uncover the Queen of Hearts

9-Wrong royalty – B. J. Cordova picks the King of Diamonds

10-Today’s Topic

11-Arts Express Executive Director Karen Wiese begins her presentation

12-Karen Wiese provides an overview of Arts Express Theatre