Karen Petersburg
Vice President of Data Center Development & Construction
Professional Overview
Karen Petersburg is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the data center development and construction industry. As the Vice President of Data Center Development & Construction at American Real Estate Partners (AREP), she oversees the strategic planning, design, and execution of large-scale data center projects across the United States.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role, Karen is responsible for leading the company's data center development and construction initiatives. She collaborates closely with clients, design teams, and construction partners to deliver state-of-the-art, energy-efficient data center facilities that meet the evolving needs of the digital economy. Under her leadership, AREP has successfully completed several high-profile data center projects, earning a reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.
Career Progression
Prior to joining AREP, Karen held various leadership positions at Digital Realty, where she served as the Design Director and Design Manager for the US East Region. In these roles, she was instrumental in the development and implementation of cutting-edge design strategies that optimized data center performance, energy efficiency, and operational resilience. Earlier in her career, Karen gained valuable experience as a Project Manager, Commissioning Engineer, and Project Engineer at reputable construction firms, such as Iconicx Critical Solutions and DPR Construction.
Academic Background
Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, where she graduated with distinction. She is also a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of Virginia, underscoring her technical expertise and commitment to professional development.
Areas of Expertise
- Data center design and construction
- Project management and team leadership
- Sustainable building practices and energy efficiency
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system design and integration
- Commissioning and quality assurance processes
- Stakeholder management and client engagement
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Karen has spearheaded the delivery of several award-winning data center projects, recognized for their innovative design, energy efficiency, and operational reliability. Her contributions have helped industry-leading organizations achieve their sustainability goals and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving data center landscape.
Conclusion
With her exceptional technical expertise, strategic leadership, and deep industry knowledge, Karen Petersburg is positioned to drive continued success and innovation in the data center development and construction industry. Her commitment to delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions positions her as a valuable asset to AREP and its clients.
