Kara holds a PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration from Auburn University. She served as the Operations Manager for Hunger Solutions Institute prior to leaving for graduate school. Aside from HSI, she has spent professional time working to coordinate programs with Cooperative Extension programs and non-profits. She is currently the Project Administrator and Co-PI for both Double Up Food Bucks Alabama and the Add Milk! Program, which is a combined $4 million in 4 states. As such, she serves as the main coordinator and point of contact for retailers, POS providers, and researchers.