Karen Vahala’s experience and contribution in tennis, spans decades, initially playing grass-roots tennis with her family at Alexander Park Tennis Club.  Ms Vahala represented Australia at the ITF Junior World Championships in the United States as a 12 year old using a wooden racquet.  Prior to her appointment to the Tennis West Board in November 2023 by the Members, Ms Vahala served on the Hall of Champions Working Group for three years.

She brings a deep and broad understanding of the landscape of tennis in Western Australia to the Board.  Ms Vahala was a member of winning State League teams at Reabold Tennis Club and Royal Kings Park Tennis Club.  She has been an assistant tennis coach, parent and manager of junior tennis teams.  Ms Vahala is passionate about tennis and enjoys its physical and social benefits as well as improved mental-wellbeing.  She regularly plays tennis enjoying the different court surfaces around Perth and has recently tried her hand at Padel Tennis.

Ms Vahala has extensive experience in accounting and finance, completing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in law from the University of Western Australia.  She enjoyed a successful career in Chartered Accounting at Arthur Andersen and PricewaterhouseCoopers in Australia and the Czech Republic and venture capital at Rothschild.

She brings a unique combination of skills to the Board, currently undertaking a Psychology degree at the University of Western Australia.  Ms Vahala embraces neurodiversity and is a passionate advocate for inclusivity.  She has also completed the Boardroom Effectiveness for Women and Strategy and Risk for the Not-for-Profit Director courses at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.