Karen Byers is a leader in finance and strategic management. She was the Managing Director and CFO of The John & Mary R. Markle Foundation in New York City, which undertook projects in information technology focused on health, national security, and the workforce. Karen also held leadership roles at the Theatre Communications Group and KPMG. She is deeply involved in community service and volunteers for organizations in northwest Connecticut, including a role as Treasurer of LJMN Media, Inc. (The Lakeville Journal / The Millerton News). As part of a U.S. Foreign Service family, she had a European and American upbringing and was educated in German for four years. Karen holds an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, an M.A. in Philosophy from Bryn Mawr College, and a B.A. in Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude, from Wheaton College. She resides in Canaan Valley, Conn., with her spouse Lillie Mikesell.
