Karen Novak Cesare was born in Phoenix and is a third generation Arizonan and descendant of a pioneer family. She is a registered Landscape Architect in Arizona and California and has owned and operated Novak Environmental, Inc. since 1998. Karen was elected to a six year term on the CAWCD Board representing Pima County on November 4, 2014. She graduated from the University of Arizona with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture from the College of Agriculture – School of Renewable Natural Resources.

Previously, Karen served on the City of Tucson’s Citizens’ Water Advisory Committee and CAP Oversight Committee and served and chaired the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. She is currently serving on the Canoa Ranch Conservation Committee, the Pima County Parks and Recreation Commission and is 2014/2015 Chapter President for AzASLA.

Karen is married to Jeffery J. Cesare. They have three young adult children; Nick, Cristi and Angelique, who all live in Tucson. Karen volunteers her time as an event supervisor for Science Olympiad. She enjoys cycling, hiking, birding, watching UArizona basketball and football and spending time with her family.