Karen Chappel is strongly committed to community and local government, being Shire President at Morawa since 2009, President and Life Member of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA),  also President of the  Northern Country Zone of WALGA.  Karen is a board member of various boards and committees including LGIS Mutual Services, State Bushfire Advisory Council, Australian Local Govt Association and Lord Mayors Distress Fund.

Karen has a Diploma in Local Government (Elected Member) and is a graduate of AICD. Karen has a strong connection to the regional WA, having farmed in partnership with Lindsay Chappel south of Morawa for the last 30 years. Karen was a founding member of both Rural West and NEFF.