Karen McCandless

Karen McCandless
For Orem City Mayor

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About Karen

Karen McCandless has called Orem home for over 30 years. She raised her family here, built her career here, and has spent decades working to make Orem a place where families and businesses thrive. From her 13 years of service on the Orem City Council to leading a large local food bank/social service agency, Karen has always been focused on strengthening the community she loves.

Karen’s leadership has been recognized both locally and statewide — she was honored as a Utah Business Woman of the Year and received the Chamber Champion Award from the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce for her work supporting businesses and building partnerships across the region. Whether helping families put food on the table, supporting families moving out of poverty, or bringing people together to solve tough challenges, Karen believes in practical, principled leadership that listens first and puts Orem’s people at the heart of every decision.

Now, Karen is running for Mayor of Orem to continue that commitment. She is focused on keeping Orem safe and family-friendly, supporting local businesses, protecting our neighborhoods, and making sure city government stays open, responsive, and grounded in the values of its residents. Karen believes the best solutions come from working together, and she looks forward to building a future for Orem that honors its past while embracing new opportunities ahead. 

Karen received a degree at BYU in regional planning, which gives her the expertise to help navigate the challenges of growth while preserving the character of our community.

Brigham Young University Bachelor of Science (BS), Geography, Urban and Regional Planning Emphasis

Utah Valley Hospital Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care · (2016 – 2017) Earned enough Clinical

Pastoral Education Units to qualify for board certification.

Endorsed By Orem Resident, Governor Gary Herbert

“I’ve known Karen McCandless for years and have always been impressed by her genuine love for the City of Orem and her lifetime commitment to service. Her experience as former CEO of Community Action Services and as a member of the City Council gives her expertise to help Orem lead on key regional issues. Above all, Karen’s integrity and collaborative spirit make her an excellent choice as mayor to bring people together and focus on the issues that are facing Orem today.”

-Governor Herbert

Experience You Can Trust

Karen moved to Orem in 1991 and still lives in the very first home she and her late husband, Don, purchased. Karen and her late husband, Don, raised their two daughters together.

Experience

Community Action Services and Food Bank: Chief Executive Office, May 2017 – June 2025

Orem City Councilmember: February 2001-January 2014

Congressman John Curtis, Member, Women’s Advisory Council: December 2019 – December 2024

Utah County Utah County Planning Commission: December 2014 – December 2021

BYU Civic Engagement External Advisory Committee Member: February 2015 – Present

Utah Valley Interfaith Association Board Member: January 2017 – June 2025

Utah Valley University Advisory Board Member, College of Health and Public

Service (CHPS): May 2022 – Present

Utah Valley University Interfaith Community Advisory Board Member: October 2019 – Present

Neighborworks Mountain Country Home Solutions and Sun Country Homes

Board Member: April 2017 – June 2025

Family Haven Board Member: January 2014 to July 2025

Hale Center Theater Orem Board of Trustees Member: May 2014 – December 2024

Utah Homelessness Council Member: November 2022 – April 2024

UServeUtah Commissioner: May 2017-December 2022

Various leadership positions in local Republican precinct

Recognitions

Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion: September 2023

Woman of the Year Recipient, by Utah Business: September 2022

Fab 40 Recipient, by Utah Vally Magazine: March 2022

Walter C. Orem Award, by City of Orem: October 2017

Catherine Caputo Hoskins Emerging Leader Award, by Community Action Partnership of Utah: April 2016

Champion of Inclusion: Community Partner, by Utah Valley University/UVU Strategic Inclusion Plan Committee: March 2016

Platform

As mayor, I will prioritize listening to residents and creating space for respectful dialogue. Every decision that comes before the mayor and council deserves careful consideration, and I will approach each issue with an open mind and a commitment to understanding all perspectives. My goal is to foster transparency, grow trust, and ensure that the voices of Orem residents are truly heard in city government.

I am Proven

Because I’ve served on the Orem City Council for 13 years, helping guide our city through good times and hard times alike. As the CEO of one of Utah County’s largest nonprofit organizations, I’ve led teams, balanced budgets, and delivered critical services to thousands of families. Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive recognitions such as Utah Woman of the Year and the Chamber Champion Award from the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce—acknowledgments that reflect my commitment to serving this community with excellence. I know how to lead, and I know how to listen.

I am Passionate

Because I believe in Orem. I believe in our people, our families, and our future. I’ve spent my career helping others—whether through public service or nonprofit work. Through that work, my goal has always been to help build a thriving community for all of Orem’s residents. That’s what Family City USA should be—a place where every individual and every family feels supported, safe, and part of something special.

I am Prepared

Because I bring the right experience to meet this moment. I understand how city government works. I understand how to manage complex organizations. And I understand that leadership starts with listening. My chaplain training has helped me develop the ability to truly listen—with empathy, patience, and respect. I also have the time and deep personal interest to give my full effort to the responsibilities of this office. As mayor, I’ll approach every decision with care, fairness, and a deep respect for the people I serve.

I am Committed

To keeping Orem a place where families thrive. That means protecting our high quality of life by keeping taxes low, supporting local businesses, focusing on the needs of families, and ensuring city services remain exceptional. From safe neighborhoods to responsive public safety to clean parks and reliable utilities, I’ll work every day to make sure Orem continues to be a place we’re all proud to call home.