Kara Larson
Chief Ethics Officer, Assistant General Counsel
Professional Overview
Kara Larson is a seasoned legal and compliance professional with over 25 years of experience in the energy industry. As the VP, Chief Ethics Officer, and Assistant General Counsel at Evergy, she oversees the company's ethics and compliance program, providing strategic guidance to ensure the highest standards of integrity and accountability across the organization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role at Evergy, Kara is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive ethics and compliance policies, procedures, and training initiatives. She works closely with senior leadership to foster a culture of ethical decision-making, proactively identify and mitigate compliance risks, and respond effectively to any regulatory or legal challenges. Kara's expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management has been instrumental in strengthening Evergy's reputation as an industry leader in ethical practices.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Kara served as the Assistant General Counsel at Evergy, where she provided legal counsel and support for a wide range of corporate matters, including contract negotiations, regulatory filings, and corporate transactions. Before joining Evergy, she held the role of Lead Corporate Counsel at Kansas City Power & Light, where she was responsible for overseeing the company's legal affairs and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Kara began her career as an Associate at several respected law firms, including Niewald, Waldeck & Brown and Barkley & Rodolf, gaining valuable experience in corporate law and transactional work.
Academic Background
Kara holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where she graduated with honors. She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and has maintained a strong commitment to professional development throughout her career.
Areas of Expertise
- Corporate ethics and compliance program management
- Regulatory compliance and risk assessment
- Corporate governance and board advisory
- Energy industry regulations and policy
- Contract negotiation and corporate transactions
- Legal strategy and risk mitigation
Professional Impact
During her tenure at Evergy, Kara has played a pivotal role in enhancing the company's ethical standards and compliance practices. She has spearheaded the implementation of a robust ethics training program, resulting in a significant reduction in reported misconduct incidents. Additionally, Kara has worked closely with the executive team to develop and execute a comprehensive risk management framework, enabling the organization to proactively address potential legal and regulatory challenges.
Conclusion
Kara Larson's extensive experience, legal expertise, and commitment to ethical leadership make her a valuable asset to Evergy. As the VP, Chief Ethics Officer, and Assistant General Counsel, she continues to drive positive change within the energy industry, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability that sets the standard for others to follow.
