"Karen Higgins-Carter is an independent board director and former Chief Information and Digital Officer known for guiding highly regulated, long-established enterprises through major transformation and growth. Her experience spans public, private, and family-owned companies across financial services, real estate, and construction, where she has led large-scale technology, data, and cybersecurity initiatives focused on trust, execution, and regulatory strength. As EVP and Chief Information & Digital Officer at Gilbane, she established the company’s first enterprise technology and innovation strategy, advancing practical adoption of AI, robotics, IoT, and digital platforms while modernizing core systems. Previously, as EVP and CIO at Webster Financial, she led a four-year transformation that reduced expenses, strengthened regulatory standing, and supported a merger of equals with Sterling National Bank."