Karen Britton, formerly senior vice president of communications and marketing and chief digital officer for LMI, is described as someone who made a “profound impact” on those in her circles.
Funeral services for Britton were held March 4. She passed away at age 59 following a battle with brain cancer.
Britton came to LMI in May 2018 following a career that included serving as White House chief information officer from 2012 to 2014 under then-President Barack Obama.
Doug Wagoner, CEO of LMI, said as the company mourns the loss of Britton, it is reminded of the profound impact she made on her colleagues and friends at LMI.
“Her dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on all of us,” Wagoner said. “Her legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for greatness and to honor her memory by carrying forward the values she embodied. Although she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever remain in our organization. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
In a 2022 podcast interview with WashingtonExec, Britton said she was passionate about her role at LMI and giving back.
“I’ve always considered myself a servant leader since I started working for the federal government …” she said. “I’ve considered myself very fortunate to be able to have such an impact in the work that I’ve done over my career.”
Britton’s obituary describes her as “a woman of great integrity who always focused on ensuring that all things worked together for the good. She endeavored to make a difference in the world, and she surpassed that goal.”
Britton was born in New York and grew up reading voraciously, excelling as a pianist and demonstrating her abilities as a talented track athlete, according to her obituary. She went on to study engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and later began working for NAVSEA in New Hampshire. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree in engineering management.
The move she would later call the “highlight of her career” was serving as deputy CIO, and eventually CIO, in the White House. She later worked as an adjunct professor teaching in the cybersecurity technology graduate program at the University of Maryland for over a year before eventually coming to LMI. While at LMI, Britton had begun her doctoral studies and was working on her dissertation when she became ill.
Outside of work, she taught Sunday school classes at her church, St. Martin’s Catholic Church; gave of herself to family and others; served as a keynote speaker at her alma mater; and more.
Britton was married to Billy Britton, and the couple had two daughters together: Leah Justine and Ashley Olivia.
She received several distinguished honors throughout her career including the Excellence in Government Fellows Program, the Partnership for Public Service Leadership in Action Awards, the National Women of Color in Technology Award and the Navy Meritorious Service Award. She also served one term as president of Blacks in Government.