Karen Benker Treasure Karen was one of the co-founders of the Fort Morgan Humane Society in 2009 when the new board submitted their request for non-profit status with the IRS. As the Director of the Eastern Colorado Workforce Region, a youth workforce program was started called Second Chance where at-risk teens were hired to learn work skills, get paid their first paycheck, and care for the dogs and cats of the city animal shelter. This opened the door to having the city and the police department turn over the management of the shelter to our newly formed humane society. With a background in government finance, Karen was also the Budget Director for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and worked for state government for 20 years. As part of her state government career, she worked in the Governor’s Budget Office for 10 years. She has worked in Washington, D.C. for several years, and has recently worked for several non-profits. Her last position was the Finance Director for HOPE in Longmont. HOPE (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement) provides shelter, food, and assistance to those that have no home. She started a very small dog biscuit company and bakes at home and brings her yummy biscuits to a weekly farmers market. Her four legged customers eagerly greet her each week at her booth.
