A first-generation immigrant to the United States from Nicaragua, Karen Kühl has 35 years of rich and varying experience in the tourism industry. Though she now serves as the Executive Director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism, she got her start in the industry as a young adult—working in hostess, bartender, and front desk agent positions. From there, she climbed her way to the top as an extension of her natural leadership skills. She took on roles as a restaurant manager and resort manager, started her own agritourism tour operator, and so on until she found herself where she stands today. 

Here in Cayuga County, she has been instrumental in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both in and out of the office. Under her leadership, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism has reached the Certified By Travel Union (CBTU) Level One designation and is now actively working toward pursuing the level two category by improving its internal DEI policies and procedures. Additionally, she has been instrumental in positioning Cayuga County as an epicenter of Black and activist history, embracing Harriet Tubman’s legacy in Auburn and the roots of the Underground Railroad in the area.  

Karen Kühl is an example not only of a strong Latinx leader in the tourism industry, but also of an individual with a staunch commitment to making her destination a safe and welcoming place for visitors and residents alike. 

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