April 16, 2026
Tallahassee State College (TSC) Trustee Karen Moore has been named the 2026 Trustee of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The award was presented at the AACC Awards of Excellence Gala on April 13 in Seattle, WA.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for this recognition,” said Moore. “Serving Tallahassee State College and supporting our students has been one of the most meaningful privileges of my life. I believe strongly in the power of education to transform lives, and I am proud to be part of a college that creates opportunity and changes futures every day.”
Moore was first appointed to the TSC District Board of Trustees in 2007 by Governor Charlie Crist. Since then, she has been reappointed by Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. She served as Chair in 2009-10 and in 2024-25 and has consistently provided visionary leadership and steadfast support for the College’s mission.
As founder and chief executive officer of Moore, an independent, globally ranked marketing and communications agency, she brings deep strategic expertise to her role as trustee. Her leadership has helped elevate the College’s profile and expand its impact across the region.
“Trustee Moore is exceptionally deserving of this national recognition,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President of Tallahassee State College. “Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our students have had a lasting impact on this institution. She has played a vital role in advancing our mission and expanding opportunities for those we serve.”
Moore’s commitment to student success is evident in her extensive service to Tallahassee State College. She has served as president of the TSC Foundation Board and chaired the College’s capital campaigns, helping to secure more than $23 million to support student scholarships and facilities enhancements.
Supporting student veterans has been a meaningful focus of Moore’s work at the College. The Richard W. & Karen B. Moore Veterans Success Center at TSC was named in honor of Moore and her husband. Together, they founded the Moore Veterans Leadership Academy, which supports veterans in their transition to college and the workforce.
Moore’s leadership and influence extend well beyond Tallahassee State College. She serves on the board of the Florida College System Foundation, which provides scholarships for students attending Florida’s 28 state colleges. She served as chair of the Association of Florida Colleges Trustees Commission and was recognized as Trustee of the Year by the Commission in 2021. In 2025, she was recognized as a Florida Icon by Florida Trend, placing her among an elite group of leaders who have helped shape the future of the state.