Karen Nabonne Coaxum, Chair
Karen Nabonne Coaxum is a proud native of New Orleans, having grown up in the historic community of Pontchartrain Park. An honors graduate of St. Mary’s Academy High School, she served as editor of both the school’s newspaper and yearbook. Karen attended Loyola University New Orleans, where she contributed as a writer for the Maroon, the university’s newspaper, and graduated with a degree in journalism.
Her career began as a staff reporter at The Times-Picayune, where she honed her skills in communications and public relations. Throughout her professional career, she has held significant roles at various esteemed organizations, including the Ochsner Medical Institutions, Mercy Hospital, the Downtown Development District, New Orleans General Hospital, and the Good Neighbor Clinic.
Karen is a graduate of the Amos Tuck School of Business Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College, as well as the McDonald’s Corporation’s Worldwide Hamburger Marketing University. Her experience includes serving as the community affairs director at WDSU-TV and producing a weekly public affairs show.
Karen has held positions such as director of marketing for Medfirst Health Plans, vice president of marketing for the Orleans Private Industry Council, and executive director of the Gulf South Minority Supplier Development Council. She has also worked as a media consultant for the New Orleans Convention Company, Inc. in their production of the Bayou Classic.
Her contributions to the community have been recognized through various accolades, including being named a Role Model by the Young Leadership Council, receiving the Alexis de Tocqueville Award from the United Way of the Greater New Orleans Area, and being honored as one of New Orleans CityBusiness Women of the Year. Additionally, she has received the Prix d’Elegance Award from the New Orleans Men and Women of Fashion.
Karen has played a vital role in numerous philanthropic events, serving as co-chair for the Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation Gala, the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, the National WWII Museum Victory Ball, and the WYES-TV Gala. She was also a co-chair of the 2022 Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon. In addition to Celebrate Canal! Coalition, she serves on the boards of WYES-TV New Orleans, the New Orleans Ballet Association and the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
As the director of marketing and communications for Coaxum Enterprises, Karen oversees community relations and marketing activities for three McDonald’s restaurants. She is on the marketing team for Vue Orleans, which offers a multi-level interactive cultural experience and features the city’s only rooftop 360-degree panoramic observation deck atop the Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel and Residences.