Meet Our Leadership Team

Jim Allen assumed the role of CEO in July of 2021, where he’s passionate about connecting with customers and leading the Karmak team towards stellar service. Jim has worked in software technology for over 20 years and has 10 years prior experience in IT. Jim has served in various management positions and most recently has served as Karmak’s COO.

Gail Bradburn joined Karmak in 2003 as VP of Human Resources. Prior to Karmak, Gail worked in human resource management in Wyoming both in the public sector and private sector. She first gained operational experience in a management role with IBM in the Washington, D.C. area. For Gail, leading a team at Karmak is about people – in understanding not only what motivates employees, but also what tools and training they need for success. Gail’s focus on our employees helps ensure Karmak provides stellar service to our loyal customers and provides a challenging environment where Karmak team members can thrive.

John Cowan joined the Leadership Team in March of 2020 as VP of Business Solutions. For over 20 years, John worked on the product team of ADAM DMS, a company Karmak acquired in 2016. As a graduate of NADA Dealer Academy, he is passionate about infusing best practices and efficiencies into Karmak solutions. John’s primary goal as a Leadership Team member is to turn his understanding and experience with both technology and business operations into valuable tools for our customers. Utilizing the wants and needs of the customer in the creation process will ultimately produce industry-leading solutions.

Kim Stoops joined the Karmak Leadership Team in August of 2021 as VP of Client Services, and was promoted to VP of Operations in October of 2023. Over the past 26 years, Kim has held a wide range of customer service positions throughout the company since joining Karmak in 1997. Her passion revolves around process and improvement and delivering exemplary customer service.

Scott Simpson, VP of Finance, joined Karmak in 1994 after a career in public accounting and as Controller of a tax preparation software firm. Scott’s dedication to sound, stable fiscal management has guided the growth of Karmak and its customers for over two decades. His hands-on approach with peers, partners and customers reinforces the collaborative strategy that has led to Karmak’s success. As a user of Karmak’s Fusion, Scott and his team are continually focused on quality improvement by serving as a pilot for new software releases.

Neil Osborn joined the Leadership Team in October of 2022 as VP of Software Development. Before joining Karmak in 2019, Neil worked for software development companies in the healthcare space ranging in size from start-ups to large public companies. Neil’s passion is empowering teams to deliver best-in-class software solutions.

Todd Robertson joined Karmak in 2007 as National Sales Manager, then moved into the role of Director of Sales before joining the Karmak Leadership team in 2022. With over 33 years of progressive sales, marketing, client relationship building, and strategic operations management experience, Todd’s “can do” attitude and past experience is a difference maker at Karmak. Prior to Karmak, Todd had related experience and worked for companies such as Systems Atlanta and DP Solutions. For Todd, a successful team is about building and maintaining internal and external relationships, making a difference in people’s lives, and focusing on activity to drive results.

Richard C. Walden, CPA, is a sole practitioner in Carlinville, Illinois and an author, editor, and lecturer for the Illinois Tax Schools sponsored by the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. Prior to entering private practice in 1980, he was a revenue agent with the Internal Revenue Service. Richard is a director of CNB Bank Shares, Inc and its subsidiary bank, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. since 1987. He serves as Chairman of the Board and also chairs the Audit Committee. He is also a director of the Carlinville Area Hospital, Carlinville Area Hospital Foundation, and the Macoupin County Community Foundation. Richard has been a Karmak Board Member for 28 years.

Joe retired from Drury Hotels Company in December 2019 after spending 29 years with Drury as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining Drury Hotels, Joe was a partner in the St. Louis law firm of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale. Joe holds MBA and JD degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and an undergraduate BS degree from the University of Utah. Joe was elected to the National Board of Governors of the American Red Cross in May 2005, and served as Vice Chair of the Board, Chairman of the Governance and Board Development Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee when his nine-year term ended in 2014. He joined the Red Cross National Philanthropic Board in May 2014 and currently serves as Chairman. He is also a member of the Compliance and Mediation Committee of the International Red Cross. Joe is a member of the national board of directors of J Street and is the immediate past chair of the St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council. He also served on the advisory board of Vertex Chemical Corporation until its sale in 2011. Joe became a Karmak Board Member in 1990 and is currently Chairman of the Karmak Board.

Truck-Trailer Industry Veteran Starting in Idaho as a parts manager for Fruehauf Trailer in 1979, Dave’s career has spanned more than 40 years. During that time he has worked in parts, service and sales departments with several trailer manufacturers including Trailmobile, Timpte, Wabash and Great Dane; as well as with independent dealers and distributors, factory branches and independent heavy-duty aftermarket parts companies. His roles included sales, operations, and executive level management. Dave and Shawn, his wife of 44 years, currently reside in Evergreen, Colorado. The couple has three children, Sarah, Jessica, and Jennifer, and three grandchildren, Ian, Joshua, and Nico. In his spare time, Dave enjoys playing with his grandkids, hiking, golf and pickle ball. Dave graduated from the University of Phoenix in 1991, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Mike Schien, Director of Sales Operations, joined Karmak in 1996 after working for Navistar, an International Truck Dealership, and a valve manufacturing company all in sales related capacities. Prior to receiving his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Greenville University in 1988 he grew up and worked in his family’s business, Schien Body & Equipment Company. At Schien Body he did everything from sweeping the floor to restocking shelves and working the parts counter. At Karmak Mike worked as a Regional Sales Manager, Software Applications Specialist and then moved into management and finally a director role in Sales. Mike has been involved in the heavy truck and/or software business for more than 30 years.

Sharon has spent her career in technology, migrating from programmer to product leadership and on to executive roles focused on go-to-market and operational excellence. Most recently, she was CEO of Community Brands, a private equity backed leader in education, nonprofit, and event SaaS and Payments Software. Prior to Community Brands, she held executive roles during transformational stages of private equity rollups and carve outs. Earlier in her career, she led strategic initiatives to help global companies such as Lenovo, FedEx, and Dell, access and grow emerging markets and products. Sharon also serves on the Board of Advisors for YellowBird, a marketplace for environmental health and safety and The Forem, a cohort-based learning platform that delivers scalable learning that sticks. She lives in Austin, Texas where you can usually find her running around LadyBird Lake or talking about her last run around LadyBird Lake.