Karen Sykes

Karen grew up in Missoula and, although the family had a cabin on Seeley Lake, Flathead Lake became a special summer camping experience.  The memories of breathtaking views, pristine water, and magical time spent on the lake, are all part of what drew her back to the area eight years ago.

Karen enjoyed a rewarding and varied career in the airline industry, where she advanced to Director of Inflight Operations and was also a founding member of a successful start-up airline.  Later, as a consultant to United Airlines, she directed the implementation and ongoing operations for Command/Leadership/Resource Management training for UA flight attendants worldwide.   Karen and her husband Bill, then moved to Hawaii where she spent time as a corporate trainer conducting customer service and communication skills seminars for Schofield Barracks army personnel.

Upon the death of her husband, Karen moved to Bigfork.  She is active in the Bigfork community as a volunteer, and substitute teacher.   Having travelled extensively, she appreciates the beauty and culture of this area more than ever, and sees Flathead Lake as Montana’s gem, worthy of our efforts to maintain that purity and beauty.