Karen O'Leary joined the KIRO news team in October of 1983. She has covered a variety of stories over the years, including the Mary Letourneau case, allegations against the Overlake Christian Church pastor Bob Moorehead, and she was a reporter and witness to the Charles Campbell execution. For several years, Karen anchored the KIRO Morning News and the Saturday Morning News. Before coming to Seattle, Karen worked as an Anchor/Reporter for KHQ-TV in Spokane.

Karen graduated from Stanford University in 1981. In her spare time, she likes hiking, gardening and traveling. She is the AFTRA union shop steward. She enjoys volunteer work. She has served as a tutor in the Seattle school district, and for several years, taught English to refugees. She has also served on the board of directors of a wild animal rehabilitation center. Currently, the wild animal in her life is a 16-year-old cat named Sasha.