Coffey Karen
About Coffey Karen
Coffey Karen is the Senior Education & Development Representative at MassDOT Rail & Transit Division/MBTA, with extensive experience in training and development roles, including positions in the United States Air Force.
Professional Experience at MassDOT Rail & Transit Division/MBTA
Coffey Karen currently holds the position of Senior Education & Development Rep at the MassDOT Rail & Transit Division/MBTA. She has been in this role since 2011, providing a strong foundation in education and development for the Greater Boston Area's transportation workforce. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in co-leading the Leadership & Management Institute at MassDOT University, which supports over 10,000 employees. Karen developed a 4-day training program called Moving Forward in Transportation, which was part of the Secretary of Transportation’s Year of the Middle Manager Certificate Program initiative.
Previous Roles at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Coffey Karen worked at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) as a Human Resources Training Representative from 2006 to 2011. Based in Boston, MA, she was responsible for various HR training initiatives, enhancing the skills and capabilities of the MBTA workforce.
United States Air Force Roles
Karen served in multiple significant roles during her tenure with the United States Air Force. From 2002 to 2005, she was the First Term Airmen Center (FTAC) Program Manager and from 1999 to 2002, she served as a Professional Military Education (PME) Instructor, both in McGuire AFB, NJ. Prior to that, she managed Health Promotions at Kirtland AFB, NM from 1995 to 1999, and the Outpatient Nutritional Medicine Clinic from 1990 to 1995. Earlier roles include being a Nutritional Medicine Supervisor at Weisbaden Regional Medical Center from 1984 to 1990.
Educational Background
Coffey Karen has an extensive educational background. She holds multiple Associate of Science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Food Science and Nutrition, and Instructor in Technology. She also earned an Associate of Science in Mental Health and Counseling Skills from North Shore Community College. Additionally, she achieved a Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Education and Training from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Training Programs and Initiatives at MassDOT
Karen has developed and launched several key training programs at MassDOT. She revamped and led a 2-day program titled Leading in Transportation across all divisions. Additionally, she designed Effective Writing and Effective Speaking programs aimed at improving employee communication skills. She is also certified to facilitate Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Prevention and Diversity training for managers.