A graduate of McMaster University, Karen McQuigge joined McMaster's Office of Alumni Advancement in 1998 during the Changing Tomorrow Today campaign and was appointed Director, Alumni Engagement in 2006 responsible for alumni relations and annual giving. Before her appointment, Karen held several positions including Associate Director from 2001 to 2006. Karen has worked on two of McMaster’s fundraising project teams – one for the University Student Centre and the other dedicated to the Athletics and Recreation Centre and Stadium Campaign.

Karen has participated in several advancement focused boards, most recently as a member of the iModules Strategic Advisory Board and Advancement Ellucian Advisory Committee. Karen was the co-chair for two CCAE National conferences in 2009 and 2017. Karen is a member of CASE, the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE), and the Council for Alumni Association Executives (CAAE).

Prior to joining McMaster, Karen worked for the Canadian Intramural Recreation Association of Ontario and Mohawk College's Student Affairs Division in a variety of positions. Karen is also a graduate of Mohawk College with a Business Administration diploma.