Karen Diemer’s renowned career in public service is a testament to leadership grounded in community values, equity, and resilience. Diemer served as City Manager of Arcata for nearly a decade, shaping policy and practice to improve the lives of all residents.

Diemer’s contributions to Arcata—and beyond—are far-reaching. She led the city through complex moments. Her leadership in these moments was marked by empathy, courage, and the ability to unify diverse perspectives.

A systems thinker and relationship builder, Diemer developed partnerships across local government, nonprofits, and Cal Poly Humboldt to advance shared goals. She was instrumental in founding equity arcata, a collaborative initiative addressing racial equity across campus and the community. She also initiated quarterly liaison meetings to strengthen university-city collaboration and helped expand environmental stewardship projects like the Bay Trail and McDaniels Slough restoration.

Her influence extended throughout the region through co-founding the Bay Cities Leadership Academy, which mentors the next generation of public service leaders. Her mentorship of hundreds of professionals and students fostered a culture of excellence and inclusion throughout city government and beyond.

Diemer held numerous leadership roles in statewide organizations, including the League of California Cities, where she supported policy development and civic engagement strategies. Her commitment to open government, strategic planning, and sustainable development has left a lasting mark on both Arcata’s physical landscape and its community spirit.

In 2024, she was honored with the Cal Poly Humboldt President’s Distinguished Service Award. Her three-decade career, rooted in public trust, exemplifies the University’s "hands-on learning" ethos—whether managing water systems early in her journey or founding initiatives that inspire regional impact later on.

Diemer is a community builder, a mentor, and a changemaker whose legacy will benefit generations to come.