79West Breakfast Club Features County Commissioner, Karen Howard

January 23rd, 2026

By Jenna Dunning

Photo taken by Jenna Dunning

January's edition of the 79°West Breakfast Club welcomed Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard as the keynote speaker for the event. Elected as county commissioner in 2014, Karen Howard is a former attorney who lives in Northeast Chatham with her two youngest sons. She also had four adult children living in Washington DC, Chapel Hill and The Bahamas, and a granddaughter in Texas. Commissioner Howard served as a member of the Chatham County Board of Education from 2012-2014 and Chair of the Board from 2013-2014.

The Breakfast Club is a premiere networking event, hosted by the 79°West Coworking Space & Innovation Hub. During the breakfast club 79°West showcases community building by featuring active community members and local leaders This event also works to foster connections among seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs.

Commissioner Howard brought both her deep experience in public service and her passion for Chatham County’s future to the stage, engaging the audience with information on development, community involvement, and transportation priorities that matter to commuters and investors alike.

Howard’s journey into public service was a key highlight of her talk. She shared how her earlier work in education and community advocacy motivated her to run for the Board of Commissioners, and how that passion has shaped her leadership as Commissioner since 2014. She noticed that a change was necessary and decided if no one was going to step up she would Drawing on her background in local governance and community boards, she emphasized the importance of civic engagement and thoughtful planning as the county navigates growth and change. Her story resonated with attendees who are invested in the region’s long-term success and underscores the role of local voices in shaping public policy.

A significant portion of Howard’s address focused on new development and public transportation as pillars of sustainable growth in Chatham County. She spoke on the county’s evolving landscape, including how smart development strategies can support both economic opportunity and quality of life.

On transportation, Howard highlighted ongoing efforts to improve connectivity — from regional transit partnerships to local mobility solutions — as essential to linking residents with jobs, services, and community resources. Her remarks illustrated a forward-looking approach that balances infrastructure needs with the county’s rural character, drawing both applause and thoughtful conversation among attendees.

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