Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. announced the election of Karen Rudd Brake to corporate vice president in a recent release.

In addition to her new role, Brake will continue to serve as property management director for the corporation’s property management division, overseeing its more than 260 short-term rental properties and more than 55 long-term rental properties. 

Margaret Rudd Bishop, the corporation’s president and founder, said in the release, “Karen’s deep understanding of innovative technology solutions and corporate best practices has set her apart throughout her career. Over her 20+ years in management with us, she has been instrumental in the Corporation’s growth and extremely well regarded in the industry. We are fortunate to have her among our leadership team.”

Brake graduated from East Carolina University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management and a minor in business. After working in food service management, she began her career in real estate in 2001 as a reservationist while learning the intricacies of the industry, specifically in property management, under her late father, S. R. “Buddy” Rudd Jr., who served as the corporation’s vice president until he died in June 2021.

From 2008 to 2011, Brake served on the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She was a member of the former Oak Island Business and Tourism Commission.  She currently serves as a member of the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors, N.C. Realtors and the Brunswick County Association of Realtors.