Karen McConnaughay

For the past 7 years Karen McConnaughay has served as the elected Chairman of the Kane County Board.  Her ability to lead Kane County is rooted in her experience as a citizen activist, parent, small businesswoman and community leader. Since moving to Kane County in 1979, she raised her three children in area schools, owned and operated a pair of local small businesses, organized her neighbors as a grassroots leader, and volunteered for numerous local organizations.

Her first run for elective office was the result of her involvement in a local issue that impacted her neighborhood.  She learned through that experience that to impact positive change you have to be in the arena, and willing to work for well thought out practical solutions. First elected Board Chairman in 2004 with more than 60 percent of the vote, McConnaughay solidified her reputation as a consensus builder during three terms as a County Board member.

Her leadership and commitment to public policy have led her to a seat on the Executive Committee for Metropolis 2020.  In January 2011 she was elected Vice Chair for Metro Counties the leading statewide policy organization for Board Chairman representing Metropolitan communities. 

In June of 2011, she announced that she would be a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 33^rd State Senate District.

In addition to her government responsibilities, Karen has been a long volunteer for Republican candidates, serving as county coordinator and advisor for numerous statewide candidates. As an elected precinct committeeman she serves on the local St. Charles Township Republican committee and is a member in good standing of the Kane County Republican Women's Organization.  McConnaughay has been a champion of promoting and mentoring qualified women candidates for public office and appointed positions.  

She also has been over the years, a volunteer for the PTO, Girl Scouts, Young Mothers Club, Delnor Hospital Auxiliary and served on the Board of the American Red Cross, Fox River Chapter.

Karen and her husband John live in St. Charles where you will often find her adult children Garrett, Courtney, Kate, son-in-law Mitch, and granddaughters Abigail and Elizabeth joining them for family gatherings.