Kara Defrias

Kara DeFrias has a diverse and extensive work experience. Kara is currently working at Intuit as the Head of Change Leadership & Strategic Initiatives for the SBSEG Biz Ops & Partner Ecosystem. Prior to this role, they served as the Chief of Staff for Business Operations in the Small Business & Self-Employed Group. Kara also worked as the Chief of Staff for the QuickBooks Platform at Intuit.

In addition to their roles at Intuit, Kara has contributed to various organizations. Kara was a member of the Civic Advocacy Committee at Ocean Beach Town Council. At the Executive Office of the President, they served as the Senior Advisor for Technology in The White House. Kara also held the position of Chief of Staff for the QuickBooks Online Platform at Intuit.

Kara's experience includes working at The White House as the Director of Experience Design in the Office of the Vice President. Kara also worked as a Senior Advisor at 18F, where they handled executive internal communications, employee engagement, and provided strategic counsel to the leadership team. Additionally, they have worked as an Executive Producer at TED Conferences and Intuit, where they served as the Executive Producer for QuickBooks Connect and as a Senior UX Strategist for TurboTax.

Lastly, Kara was a part of the Biden-Harris Transition Team as a senior staff member in the Technology Strategy & Delivery Team. Kara also served as a Presidential Innovation Fellow at The White House. Overall, Kara has a wealth of experience in various leadership and strategic roles across different organizations.

Kara DeFrias holds a Master's degree in Instructional Systems: Training, Design & Development from Penn State University, which they obtained from 2005 to 2007. Kara also has a Bachelor's degree in Theatre and English from Elizabethtown College, which they earned from 1993 to 1997. In 1995 to 1996, Kara studied abroad in Cheltenham, England at the University of Gloucestershire, focusing on Theatre and English. Additionally, they have obtained a certification in Workplace Learning and Performance Improvement Design from Penn State University, although the specific month of certification is not provided.