City Councilmember Karen Watts is a Yuma native, born and raised, who’s family presence in the Yuma community dates back to the 1800’s. She has had the privilege to raise a family of her own here while having the opportunity to play an active role in serving her community.
Karen first received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Arizona, working in critical care nursing for nine years. She then proceeded to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Arizona State University in 1994. Since then, she has had experience working with diverse populations of patients from different walks of life within the medical field. She has served as a flight nurse, a primary care provider for adults and pediatrics, a provider of hospice care, a practitioner in treating substance abuse patients, and a sexual assault nurse examiner. Karen believes a variety of experience is quintessential in being a well-rounded professional. In 2007, Karen took on the role as business woman, opening her own medical practice as there was a great need in the growing community. She continues to find avenues to give back to her hometown by volunteering and supporting local efforts. In 2011, Karen was inducted into the Amberly’s Place Directors Hall of Fame for her service to the victims and their families. She continues to serve as a forensic examiner as well as the medical coordinator for Amberly’s Place.
Karen has reached a point in her life where she believes she can make even greater efforts in serving Yuma County. With hard work and great desire, her unique background has led her to become a Yuma City Councilmember. She is accompanied with the support from her husband, children, and family, but most of all the Yuma people. Karen has extraordinary pride in being a Yuman and is eager to do her best in meeting the needs of the Yuma community.