Want to know how the government harnesses technology to improve human-centered design while advancing transparency, eliminating inequitable barriers, and safeguarding crucial data? Register here to be a part of The CX Imperative Forum.
Taxes have been a crucial and fundamental part of people’s lives for centuries. The collected revenue enables government sectors to work with private institutions and implement a wide range of projects that benefit the public and the economy.
Thanks to technological modernization, taxpaying has become more convenient for people. On the flip side, constant developments raise the need to design human-centered taxpaying capabilities.
Karen Howard, Executive Director of the IRS’s Office of Online Services, is among the leaders advocating for enhancing taxpayers’ digital experience. Get to know more about her here.
An Introduction to Karen Howard
Karen S. Howard is the current Executive Director of the Office of Online Services at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In this capacity, Ms. Howard oversees compelling teams of digital subject matter experts. They collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver digital services that enhance taxpayers’ experience.
Karen Howard applies over 30 years of experience working in the private sector to fulfill her current role. One of her most significant accomplishments includes strengthening the retail, manufacturing, and financial sectors through improving online shopping and engagement experience.
Leadership and Professional Background
Karen Howard’s extensive professional background encompasses experience in retail, e-commerce, content strategy, digital marketing, master data management, and user experience management.
Her wide range of expertise was paramount to her role as a panel speaker at the upcoming CX Imperative Forum. Previously, she has shared her insights on job hopping, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, and cultural technology modernization.
Other than her speaking engagements and rich career expertise, listed below are Ms. Howard’s former occupations:
- Vice President of Digital Content Strategy & Operations (Governance) at LPL Financial, from May 2019 to August 2020
- Director of Digital Operations at Renfro Corporation, from September 2018 to May 2019
- Director of Digital Operations & Creative Services at Renfro Corporation, from March 2018 to September 2018
- Director of Digital Marketing at Renfro Corporation, from April 2016 to March 2018
- Executive Director of eCommerce at The Mast General Store Inc., from February 2015 to February 2016
- Director of Master Data Management at the Tractor Supply Company, from March 2014 to February 2015
- Director of Multichannel Operations at the Tractor Supply Company, from January 2012 to February 2015
- Director of Online Merchandising at Phoenix Textiles, from September 2007 to April 2008
- Manager of User Experience at Home Depot, from 2005 to 2008
About the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service is the primary revenue service of the United States. It is responsible for collecting federal taxes and implementing the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission is to serve US taxpayers by providing top-tier services. These include helping them understand their tax responsibilities and follow the laws and regulations that govern their taxpaying duties.
Under the Internal Revenue Code Section 7801, the IRS has the statutory authority to implement the laws of the Treasury and administer internal revenue laws.
Karen Howard, Panel Speaker at the CX Imperative Forum
The CX Imperative Forum is just one of the prestigious summits hosted by the Potomac Officers Club. Register to become a member and get access to exclusive content.
One of the focal points of the Potomac Officers Club’s (POC) CX Imperative Forum is that members will get to listen to Karen Howard’s insights on harnessing the power of technology to design transparent, accessible, protective, equitable, and human-centered services.
Karen Howard’s 30-year career in enhancing retail and taxpaying capabilities will be vital in this upcoming summit. Her expertise will help government and private sector leaders redesign their technology, software, and solutions to suit civilians’ needs, well-being, and user experience.
At the summit, Ms. Howard will be joined by panel speakers Jeffery McLaughlin, Victor Udoewa, and Dr. Shankar Rachakonda. Dana Chisnell of the Department of Homeland Security will provide the summit’s opening keynote address.
You might also want to read Army Spending Breakdown: The Cost of Security and Where Our Taxes Are Going.
