Joined The Staff
July 2020
Favorite Thing About ACF
I love the foundation's ability to listen and then facilitate real opportunities. Whether it is the relationships with nonprofits in the community, donors who want to make a difference, or other change agents in our community, I've always seen the Akron Community Foundation staff listening. I wanted to be part of that thoughtful listening that turns into real action through partnerships, donor-advised funds and grantmaking in our community. That is why I feel so blessed to be part of this organization.
What She Does
Karen leads The Center for Family Philanthropy, a charitable resource center created by Akron Community Foundation to connect the region's most generous families with the charitable knowledge and resources of the foundation. Karen provides customized consulting to these families, helping them maximize their personal charitable goals and create a multigenerational legacy consistent with their mission and family values.
What She Did Before
A longtime Akron resident, Karen most recently led VANTAGE Aging as president and CEO for more than four years. Prior to that role, she served as a nursing home administrator, as well as the executive director for St. Luke Lutheran Community in Portage Lakes. She earned her MBA and undergraduate degrees from Kent State University. Karen is also a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 33 and is a member of the City of Akron's Senior Citizens Commission.