Senate Resolution No. 170
BY: Senator GRIFFO
HONORING Karen E. Roth, Chief Engineer for the Air
Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York, upon
the occasion of being appointed President of the
Society of Women Engineers
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Karen E. Roth, Chief Engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory in
Rome, New York, upon the occasion of being appointed President of the
Society of Women Engineers; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of this extraordinary accomplishment, Karen
E. Roth will be honored by Mohawk Valley EDGE on Thursday, August 8,
2024, at The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Stittville, New York, Karen E. Roth is an
experienced Department of Defense leader in cyber, artificial
intelligence, and digital engineering; she has used her skills in
strategic thinking, communication, and partnership development to create
a global ecosystem for the Air Force and is a trusted fiduciary for the
nonprofit boards she has served; and
WHEREAS, Karen E. Roth is one of five senior leaders for the Air
Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate; serving as Chief
Engineer, she ensures technical excellence across the $1.5 billion
portfolio on an international stage; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Karen E. Roth also directs programming
and focuses on strategic external partnerships to accelerate change and
technical impact at the Air Force, which has resulted in the creation of
the Innovare Alliance; Innovare is an impact-driven global community of
scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs advancing Air Force technology
interests through specialized facilities and programming dedicated to
technology transfer and open innovation; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to supporting
women in STEM, Karen E. Roth has participated on several not-for-profit
boards, including the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) where, prior to
her appointment as President, she has served as Treasurer and Director
of Professional Excellence; and
WHEREAS, As Karen E. Roth steps into her role as President of SWE,
she will continue to carry out its mission to empower women to achieve
their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders while expanding
the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive
force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrating the value of
diversity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she also serves as an advocate for women in
other vital organizations such as the Girl Scouts of the United States
of America; and
WHEREAS, Karen E. Roth holds an executive MBA from Indiana
University's Kelley School of Business, as well as a Bachelor's degree
in software engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and a
Master's degree in systems engineering from Cornell University; she is
currently completing an executive certificate in public leadership from
the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Karen E. Roth, Chief Engineer for the Air Force Research
Laboratory in Rome, New York, upon the occasion of being appointed
President of the Society of Women Engineers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Karen E. Roth.
