Karen Adams Biography

Karen D. Adams, CPA


Merced County Treasurer-Tax Collector


Karen Adams is the Treasurer-Tax Collector and Investment Officer for Merced County. Karen is a Certified Public Accountant and a Magna Cum Laude graduate from California State University, Stanislaus. She has worked in positions of increasing responsibility with Merced County since 1993. Karen’s previous experience includes 15 years as operations manager of a construction company. Having worked in private industry as a cost accountant and auditor at a Certified Public Accounting firm, she is well versed in accounting. Prior to her becoming the elected Treasurer-Tax Collector in March 2002, Karen served as the Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector for 5 years. Karen has been at the county since 1993.

Karen D. Adams, CPA

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Karen believes it is important for the taxpayers to be aware that in addition to collecting property taxes, the County Treasurer provides a comprehensive cash management investment service for the County and its other participants. As the Treasurer, Karen is also the Ex Officio Trustee for the Merced County Employees Retirement Association. She is honored to be entrusted with tax collection and is committed to the preservation of capital through safe investing of all monies.

Licenses, Designations & Involvement


  • Association for Treasury Professionals (ATP)
  • CACTTC Legislation Committee Member 2004 through Present
  • California Asset Management Program Trustee (CAMP) Trustee 2009 through Present
  • California Assoc. of County Treasurer-Tax Collectors (CACTTC) Member and President 2010 and 2011
  • Certified Public Accountant Number 67641
  • Community Foundation Merced County, Finance Committee
  • Contractors State License C-9 Number 420505 (Inactive)
  • Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA)
  • Government Investment Officers Association (GIOA)
  • Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced (Kiddieland), Member and President 2007 to 2008
  • Merced Business & Professional Women, Past Treasurer
  • Merced County Employees Retirement Association (MCERA) Trustee 2002 through Present
  • Public Treasury Management Certification