AED Advocate

Karen McElliott has lived in San Diego since April of 1972. She attended Colorado State University and has served on and chaired various organizations and task forces within her community focusing on health, education, and land use issues. Karen McElliott was appointed to the Division of Medical Quality in 1992 by Governor Pete Wilson, Karen served as President of the Division of Medical Quality from 1993 to 1995. She served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Medical Board of California from 1996-2000. She is a former public member of the California Board of Podiatric Medicine where she served as President in 1991.

San Diego Mayoral appointments include; past Chairwoman of Qualcomm Stadium Advisory Board, past Vice Chairwoman of the San Diego Planning Commission, served as a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Padre Planning, and served as acting Vice Chair of the Naval Training Center Reuse Planning Committee. She was the Volunteer Chairwoman for Super Bowl XXXII, and was responsible for the recruiting, training and organizing over 10,000 volunteers. She was Communications and Media Relations Co- Chair of Super Bowl XXXVII. She was the Volunteer Chairwoman of the Yes, on Proposition “C” Campaign for the new downtown ballpark. Karen is on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Holiday Bowl and serves on its Team Selection Committee. She has chaired the Kickoff Luncheon for the San Diego Holiday Bowl and is the board liaison for the Holiday Bowl Red Shirts. Past Board member of LEAD San Diego, is an active member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego International Sports Council, and a Member of the Board of Committee 2000 for Women, supporting a baseball district in San Diego. She is Secretary on the Board of the Port Tenants Association. She ran unsuccessfully for the 5th District Council seat. Karen is presently committed to San Diego Project Heartbeat. A program that provides awareness, education and early access to AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) in the city and county of San Diego to help SAVE LIVES. She has been recognized for her efforts by receiving the Alonzo 2003 Downtown Partnership Award, KGTV Channel Ten Finalist Leadership Award, and City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Volunteer of the Year.