Karen Nau has a deep-rooted history in Petaluma as a 50+ year resident. Her parents still own the westside family farm where she grew up; and for the past 37 years, Karen’s lived in the same eastside Petaluma home where she and her late husband raised their three (now adult) children: Sebastian, Alison and Marshall. Karen’s life as a working mother and now, grandmother, gave her unique insight into the challenges facing eastside residents and Petaluma families, experiences she hopes she can leverage to give eastside residents and families a stronger voice at City Hall.

Beyond her longstanding connections to the land, Karen has been actively involved in affecting positive change in our community for the past several decades. Her inspiration to serve began in the 1970’s when Karen was a young girl; she watched with admiration as then-Mayor Helen Putnam led Petaluma as its first female Mayor…reminding Karen she can pursue anything she sets her mind to through dedication, hard work, enthusiasm and a commitment to make a difference.

 

Over the years, Karen Nau has served Petaluma in numerous capacities both as a volunteer and public servant, as well as a 30+ year teacher. Karen’s nonprofit volunteer service led to her being recognized as a recipient of Petaluma’s “Good Egg” Award for her positive contributions to our community.

 

Her civic and volunteer roles over the years include service as a:

• Petaluma City Councilmember and Vice Mayor

• Petaluma Music, Parks and Recreation Commissioner

• Board Member of Adobe Fiesta

• Board Member for the Salvation Army

• Board Member of Heritage Homes

• Volunteer at the Petaluma Museum, Fabulous Women’s Group, Elks, Petaluma Music Festival, Petaluma Community Access, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma Adobe Association and Petaluma River Festival

 

As a teacher, mother, grandmother of six, former City Councilmember and volunteer, Karen has the background and qualifications to serve our community once more as a member of the Petaluma City Council.

 

You can contact Karen at any time by emailing her at kpetersonnau@aol.com. She is a good listener, and is committed to being a hard-working, enthusiastic and dedicated public servant.