KAREN IRWIN

PRESIDENT & COO, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT, ORLANDO

Universal Orlando Resort includes four theme parks — Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the new Universal Epic Universe. Its more than 26,000 employees volunteer tens of thousands of hours per year to improve the community. Irwin has worked for Universal for 35 years. Over the past three decades, she has volunteered her time supporting industry and educational organizations such as the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality, Visit Orlando and the Orlando Economic Development Board, as well as serving as president of the Universal Orlando Volunteer Board and the Universal Orlando Foundation.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)

FIRST JOB: My first (traditional) job was working at a small men’s clothing store in Orlando when I was 16. I began my career in the hospitality business, working at Florida Festival as a cocktail waitress and subsequently held numerous service and management positions for various restaurants and hotels before joining the opening team of Universal Studios Florida in 1990.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I’ve always admired and appreciated the contributions of talented journalists and global economists, so maybe one of those two fields.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I hate clutter. It’s distracting to me, and I can’t relax unless my surroundings are neat and organized. At the same time, I have a creative side I’d love to explore by one day taking painting lessons.

HOBBIES: I like to cook; it’s my creative outlet and how I relax. I love travel experiences and meeting people from all over the world. I’m fascinated by their life experiences and views.