Karen Kirks Alexander, a trailblazing architect, dedicated public servant, and cherished matriarch, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 74. As Mayor of Salisbury and founder of KKA Architecture, Karen’s extraordinary life was defined by her unwavering dedication to family, community, and visionary leadership.

Family was at the heart of Karen’s life. She is survived by husband, Henry Alexander, son, Daniel Almazan, his wife Christy, grandchildren, Tyler, Isabella, and Mason as well as her brother, Paul Allen Kirks. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jettie Allen Kirks, father, James Henry Kirks and brother James Titus Kirks. Karen is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, January 11th, at 2:00 PM at the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel at Catawba College, followed by a reception next door at the Center for the Environment. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts in Karen’s name.
You may choose to support either a future memorial project or the Henry B. & Karen K. Alexander Educational Foundation, based on your preference. Contributions for the memorial project may be sent to the City of Salisbury, Attn: Finance Department for Mayor Alexander, PO Box 479, Salisbury, NC 28145. Gifts to the Educational Foundation may be sent to the Foundation For The Carolinas, Alexander 4162, 220 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Born on March 4, 1950, to Jettie Allen Kirks and Henry T. Kirks, Karen grew up with an innate curiosity and passion for creativity. This foundation led her to pursue a distinguished academic path. She earned a Master of Architecture and Urban Design from the University of North
Carolina at Charlotte and later received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Invertis University in India. Her academic and professional achievements reflected her reputation as a leader in sustainable and community-focused architectural design.
Karen’s career began with the establishment of KKA Architecture in 1989. As its president, she cultivated a practice that married innovation with deep respect for the communities she served.  Her designs, including the award-winning Center for the Environment at Catawba College,
exemplified her philosophy that architecture should reflect the individuality of clients and occupy a light footprint on the earth. Karen’s firm received numerous accolades, including honors from the American Institute of Architects for sustainable design. Her ability to transform spaces into
community landmarks remains visible throughout Salisbury and beyond.

Karen transitioned her passion for building spaces into building communities. She was appointed to the Salisbury City Council in 2013 and elected Mayor in 2015, a role she served with distinction for multiple terms. Under her leadership, Salisbury flourished. She prioritized
economic development, historic preservation, and inclusive city planning. Her commitment to collaboration and teamwork won her respect across political and social divides. Karen’s tenure as President of the North Carolina League of Municipalities showcased her ability to inspire and
unite leaders from across the state.

Among her many honors, Congressman Ted Budd entered a Congressional Record Commendation in 2022, recognizing her contributions to her city, state, and nation. The Salisbury City Council also presented her with a Proclamation of Appreciation for her
exceptional leadership and advocacy. These accolades reflect not only her professional achievements but also her personal character. Karen was described by colleagues as kind, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the well-being of others.

Karen’s family fondly remembers her as a nurturing and attentive presence who always made time to support their dreams. Her daughter-in-law, Christy Mason Almazan, shared a moving tribute: “Karen had a way of making you feel like the very center of her attention. Her love was
immense, and her presence was radiant.”

Karen’s friends and colleagues recall her as a beacon of strength and inspiration and her impact extended beyond her city to global audiences. As a visiting lecturer at institutions like Pratt College of Design and Invertis University, she inspired students to approach architecture as
both art and social responsibility. Her involvement in the Bloomberg Harvard Leadership Program for Mayors exemplified her commitment to continuous learning and growth. Karen’s ability to bridge local and global perspectives enriched every project she undertook.

Her dedication to the community was evident in her extensive civic involvement. From serving on the Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission to leading the Waterworks Visual Arts Center Board of Directors, Karen’s contributions spanned a wide array of causes. Her
leadership roles in organizations like the North Carolina League of Municipalities and Healthy Rowan demonstrated her holistic approach to community well-being. Karen believed in fostering environments where people could thrive, and her efforts left an indelible mark on Salisbury’s
physical and cultural landscapes.

Karen’s philosophy of life and work emphasized harmony, respect, and collaboration. She often said, “Each project is an extension of the client and their unique story. The spaces we create must honor that individuality while contributing positively to the community.” This belief guided
her architectural designs and her leadership style, earning her admiration from clients, colleagues, and constituents alike.

Even in her final months, Karen’s strength and grace shone brightly. After stepping back from her mayoral duties in October to focus on her health, she remained a symbol of resilience and dedication. Her battle with cancer was fought with the same determination and optimism that
defined her life. The outpouring of tributes following her passing underscores the profound impact she had on those around her.

Karen’s legacy lives on in the cityscapes she shaped, the policies she championed, and the countless lives she touched. Her work as an architect and mayor will continue to inspire future generations, while her kindness and compassion will remain etched in the hearts of her family
and friends.

As Salisbury and the wider community mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, we find comfort in the knowledge that Karen’s spirit will endure. Her love for her family, her passion for her work, and her unwavering belief in the power of community leave a legacy that will continue to shine
as a beacon of hope and inspiration for years to come.