Karel Abboud

Karel is the Global Director of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). In this role, she leads the state’s international investment strategy, with a focus on attracting and securing high-impact FDI projects across key global markets. She also oversees the operations and strategic direction of TNECD’s five international offices, which are located in Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. These five offices collectively serve as Tennessee’s global outreach hubs and actively represent the state in 12 countries, facilitating long-term economic partnerships and investment opportunities into Tennessee.

Before joining TNECD, Karel worked in the International Trade and Investment division of the Mississippi Development Authority, where she supported companies seeking to expand their global presence.

Karel holds a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College. She serves on the boards of the International Business Council through the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Economic Partnership.