Karen Ponder, PhD, CDP

Dr. Ponder is a Senior Consultant with Alliance Consulting Group, where she has participated in more than 275 depreciation studies. She has over 45 years of experience in performing depreciation studies and providing case support.  During her 21 years at Alliance Consulting Group, she has worked with clients in the electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities.   

Prior to joining Alliance Consulting, Dr. Ponder worked for TXU in various capacities, including engineering, budgets, economic research, and property accounting. During her final 10 years at TXU, she worked as a Capital Recovery Specialist where she provided support and expertise in depreciation in studies conducted before the Texas Railroad Commission and the Public Utilities Commission of Texas.  

Dr. Ponder graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA with a B.S in mathematical statistics. At Iowa State University, where she earned a master’s in statistics, she met two individuals who shaped her personal and professional life: her future spouse and Dr. Harold Cowles, ISU Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Dr. Cowles introduced her to Iowa Curves, depreciation, and engineering valuation. Karen graduated from ISU with a Ph.D. in Engineering Valuation. She attended various courses offered by Depreciation Programs, Inc. and served on its faculty from 1985 to 1997. Karen served as SDP Secretary from 2014 to 2015 and is currently serving on the SDP Board of Directors. She has been an SDP Training Faculty member since 2007.