Farewell and Best Wishes to Karen Christensen

Dear Second District Resident,

Today is a sad day in District 2 as we say farewell and best wishes to our dedicated and hardworking Chief of Staff, Karen Christensen.  Karen has been an invaluable member of the District 2 team and the County of Riverside for nearly 30 years of service. 

Karen Christensen began her career at the County of Riverside in January 1991 with the Office of County Counsel. In January 1995, she began working for the Board of Supervisors when she was hired to be the Executive Assistant to Supervisor John Tavaglione. 

Karen was later promoted to a Supervisor’s Legislative Assistant, handling the Health and Human Services portfolio for the Second District. She served the constituents through community outreach and policy development for the County Departments of Behavioral, Physical, and Social Services, as well as Public Safety and Law Enforcement. 

In November 2018, Karen was again promoted to serve as the Chief of Staff to Supervisor Tavaglione and in January 2019, Karen was asked to continue serving as the Chief of Staff to the newly elected Second District Supervisor, Karen Spiegel.  During the first 18 months of Supervisor Spiegel’s term, Karen was able to ease the transition of District leadership and share important historical knowledge of the county, district, projects, policies and programs with Supervisor Spiegel and her new staff.

Throughout her career, Karen has mentored and fostered the growth of many young professionals who have gone on to serve the County of Riverside in a variety of disciplines. Karen’s most valued accomplishment is the health and happiness of her family, including her loving husband Jon Christensen, their two children, Ashley and Eric, and two grandchildren.