Karen Parfitt Hughes is an American political advisor, diplomat, journalist, and public relations executive. Born on December 27, 1956, in Paris, France, to American parents serving in the U.S. military, she was raised primarily in Texas. Hughes began her career as a television reporter and news anchor in Austin and Dallas before transitioning into politics. She gained prominence as communications director for George W. Bush's 1994 gubernatorial campaign and subsequent administration, becoming a key strategist and speechwriter and one of Bush's closest advisors. In 2001, she was appointed Counselor to the President, serving until resigning in 2002 to return to Texas. She served as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the George W. Bush administration from 2005 to 2007, focusing on improving the U.S. image abroad, particularly in the Muslim world. After her State Department tenure, she joined the public relations firm Burson-Marsteller (now part of BCW) as global vice chair, advising corporate clients on communications and reputation management. Hughes authored the memoir 'Ten Minutes from Normal' (2004) about her White House experiences and remains active in Republican politics and women's leadership initiatives.