Karen Mateo was named Vice President and Director, Public Information, in January 2025. Ms. Mateo is responsible for implementing the organization’s strategic plan, leading efforts to raise the global profile of amfAR, and supporting program advocacy and development goals.

An accomplished communications professional with nearly three decades of experience in media relations, crisis management, brand building, and public affairs, Ms. Mateo joined amfAR from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) where she served as Chief Communications Officer since 2019.

Ms. Mateo’s previous roles include serving as Senior Vice President at North 6th Agency and Senior Vice President of Communications for CBS Radio, where she was responsible for all internal and external communications functions for the division’s 120+ radio stations. Ms. Mateo was honored as one of Radio Ink magazine’s Most Influential Women in Radio for six consecutive years.

Ms. Mateo attended UNC Charlotte and graduated from St. John’s University in 1992.