Karen Durham-Aguilera Biography
Karen Durham-Aguilera is a distinguished civil engineer and senior executive within the U.S. Army. She serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery, acting as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army on all matters related to Army cemeteries.
In this role, Ms. Durham-Aguilera oversees policies, doctrine, plans, and standards for Army cemeteries, ensuring they honor the nation’s heroes with dignity and respect. She manages a significant annual budget and directs major construction and expansion projects to maintain and enhance these sacred sites.
Her extensive career includes leadership positions in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where she directed reconstruction programs in Iraq and led the $14.6 billion hurricane storm damage reduction system in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These efforts earned her the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2014 Civil Engineering Achievement Award.
Karen Durham-Aguilera Age
As of 2024, Karen Durham-Aguilera is estimated to be in her 40s or 50s. Specific details about her birth date and age have not been publicly disclosed.
Karen Durham-Aguilera Hometown
Karen Durham-Aguilera hails from Kentucky.
Karen Durham-Aguilera Educational Background
Karen Durham-Aguilera has a robust educational background in civil engineering. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.
Karen Durham-Aguilera’s Career
Karen Durham-Aguilera has built a distinguished career in civil engineering and public service, marked by leadership roles in significant national and international projects. Her extensive experience within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and her current position overseeing Army cemeteries highlight her commitment to infrastructure development and honoring military service members.
Early Roles in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Beginning her tenure with the USACE in 1983, Durham-Aguilera held various positions in construction, operations, and engineering. She served as a lead construction manager, project engineer, resident engineer, and area engineer, managing both civil works and military construction projects. Her responsibilities included overseeing complex engineering initiatives and supervising teams across multiple states, demonstrating her capacity for leadership and technical expertise.
Leadership in Reconstruction Programs
In 2005, Durham-Aguilera was appointed as the Senior Executive Service (SES) Director of Reconstruction Programs for the U.S. Army Project and Contracting Office in Baghdad, Iraq. In this role, she led a diverse workforce comprising military personnel, multinational civilians, and Iraqi professionals to deliver nearly 3,200 construction projects throughout Iraq. These projects encompassed the reconstruction of hospitals, clinics, schools, police stations, and essential utilities, contributing significantly to the nation’s rebuilding efforts.
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Post-Katrina Recovery Efforts
Following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Durham-Aguilera was appointed as the SES Director of Task Force Hope in New Orleans, Louisiana, from 2007 to 2011. She planned and led the Corps’ $14.6 billion hurricane storm damage reduction system in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana. Under her leadership, over 5,000 military and civilian personnel collaborated with academia, industry, and stakeholders to design and construct a system aimed at preventing catastrophic flooding and loss of life. The keystone project of this system received the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2014 Civil Engineering Achievement Award, marking a significant milestone in USACE’s history.
Directorship in Contingency Operations and Homeland Security
From 2011 to 2017, Durham-Aguilera served as the SES Director of Contingency Operations and the Office of Homeland Security at USACE Headquarters. In this capacity, she was responsible for USACE’s Homeland Security mission, supporting the Departments of Homeland Security, the Army, and Defense. She led federal engineer responses to numerous natural and man-made disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, managing efforts involving over 2,000 personnel and approximately $3 billion in resources. Her portfolio also included leading USACE’s flood risk management initiatives and enhancing the resilience of critical water resources infrastructure.
Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries
In 2017, Durham-Aguilera was appointed as the Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery. In this role, she serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army on all matters related to Army cemeteries. Her responsibilities encompass administering and overseeing policies, doctrine, plans, and standards for nearly 40 Army cemeteries nationwide. She manages a significant annual budget and directs major construction and expansion projects, ensuring that these sacred sites honor the nation’s heroes with dignity and respect.
Recognition and Professional Affiliations
Throughout her career, Durham-Aguilera has received numerous awards and honors, including the Secretary of the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service and the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana and holds memberships in professional organizations such as the Society of American Military Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Karen Durham-Aguilera Husband and Children
Karen Durham-Aguilera is married; however, specific details about her husband and children are not publicly disclosed. She maintains a private personal life, focusing public attention on her professional achievements and contributions.
Karen Durham-Aguilera Salary and Net Worth
As a Senior Executive Service (SES) member in the U.S. federal government, Karen Durham-Aguilera’s salary falls within the SES pay scale. For 2024, SES salaries range from $141,022 to $212,100 annually, depending on factors such as experience, role, and location. Specific details about her exact salary and net worth are not publicly disclosed.
FAQs
What is Karen Durham-Aguilera’s current role?
She serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery, acting as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army on all matters related to Army cemeteries.
What are her primary responsibilities?
She oversees policies, doctrine, plans, and standards for Army cemeteries, ensuring they honor the nation’s heroes with dignity and respect. She manages a significant annual budget and directs major construction and expansion projects to maintain and enhance these sacred sites.
What notable projects has she led?
She directed the $14.6 billion hurricane storm damage reduction system in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a project that received the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2014 Civil Engineering Achievement Award.
What awards has she received?
Her awards include the Secretary of the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service and the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service.
Is she a registered professional engineer?
Yes, she is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana.
What professional organizations is she affiliated with?
She is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Has she served in international roles?
Yes, she was the Director of Reconstruction Programs for the U.S. Army Project and Contracting Office in Baghdad, Iraq, leading nearly 3,200 construction projects throughout the country.
What is her leadership philosophy?
She emphasizes the “Four C’s” of leadership: Competence, Commitment, Courage, and Caring.
