Kara Perkins, EdD

Kara Perkins is a leader in higher education finance and has worked at the California State University since 2001.  She joined California State University, Long Beach as the Associate Vice President for Budget & Administration in October 2020.

In this role she manages the University Budget, Parking and Transportation, Audit & Public Records, and various operational units that serve the campus community. Prior to moving to a campus, she enjoyed nearly 19 years at the CSU Chancellor’s Office, working in both Business and Finance and Academic and Student Affairs, most recently serving as the Executive Budget Director.

Kara earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Washington State University, her master’s degree in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from CSU Fresno.

Kara became involved in the YWCA as a student at WSU.  She joined the YWCA National Student Council in 1994 and served as Vice Chair from 1996-1998.  She also served as a National Board member from 1998-2002. Her involvement with the YWCA of WSU and the National Student Council provided a foundation for her leadership development and commitment to racial and social justice and the empowerment of women and girls. Kara joined the Finance Committee of the YWCA USA Board of Directors as a non-board member in 2022. She is also involved as member of the League of Women Voters, something she does to pay tribute to her mother’s 40+ year commitment to the organization and to voter education and access as a key to a strong democracy.