JWC Media
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By Ann Marie Scheidler
words by Ann Marie Scheidler
photography by Maria Ponce
styling by Theresa DeMaria
hair and makeup by Doria DeBartolo
Karen Anderson wearing a Celine coat from Neiman Marcus Northbrook
WHEN YOU TALK WITH KAREN ANDERSON, one word comes to mind almost immediately—purpose.
Whether the Lake Forest resident is building client relationships at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, volunteering on behalf of children and families through Allendale, or cheering on her two boys from the sidelines, Anderson has a way of being very intentional about how she spends her time.
Those who know her might be in awe of all she’s accomplished and manages to juggle today. And yet, she will be the first to tell you the journey was not always linear.
She took time recently to share her story in advance of Allendale’s February 28 fundraiser, Après Ski – Val d’Isère, which she is co-chairing with Cassie Mancuso Carver, Claire Concannon, Whitley Bouma Herbert, Samantha Trace and Meredith Mitchell.
“I’ve always wanted to be my own woman,” says Anderson, who grew up in Connecticut and studied Economics/Accounting at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. “It was really important for me to be independent.”
A job at Deloitte straight out of college ultimately led her to London, where she met her now ex-husband.
“I loved being in the corporate culture—the challenge of it, the brilliant minds around me,” she recalls, explaining how she would eventually return to New York to take on a national strategy role. It was there that Anderson joined a small team focused on growing the firm’s Investment Management Tax practice and worked closely with mentor Ted Doherty, who encouraged her to pursue her ideas.
“He made me realize that my ideas were worth chasing down,” she says. “It allowed me to unlock thoughts I hadn’t had the confidence to voice before.”
That work paid off. The team grew the tax practice by $100 million in three years and created a thriving, close-knit culture that Anderson describes as one of the most fulfilling times of her career.
But as often happens, success brought change. The practice grew, new layers of oversight emerged, and life at home became busier. With one son, Henry, and another, Luke, soon to follow, Anderson made the choice to step back from corporate life.
“It didn’t feel like the family life I wanted to create,” she says. “I wanted to be fully present for my boys.”
Determined to raise “humans who will be great assets to the world,” those early years of motherhood were deeply grounding for Anderson. Having the space to breathe and raise her children also allowed for her professional energy to be channeled into new outlets.
When a friend introduced her to Allendale—a Lake Villa–based nonprofit that helps children and families heal from trauma, build resilience, and find hope through comprehensive care, specialized education, and steadfast advocacy—she immediately fell in love with the mission.
“It’s small enough that you can really see and feel the impact of your efforts,” says Anderson, whose first leadership role with Allendale was chairing its annual fundraiser, all during the uncertainty of COVID-19. “It was a chance to give my time and talents to something that mattered. And it gave me focus and happiness during a really tough time.”
She went on to serve as the Allendale Women’s Board (AWB) president for two years, helping strengthen the bonds among its members. “We’re all so different, but connected by the desire to make a difference,” she says. “Allendale does such a great job of providing stability to these kids who need it most.”
One of Anderson’s favorite moments each year is the AWB Christmas party. “We’re each assigned a few children and the gifts we give might be the only ones they receive,” she says. “There’s one boy I’ve had for three years who loves World War II. Last year, he asked for a helmet and a tanker. It’s the best party in the world.”
That same joy and sense of community carries into her work on next month’s Après Ski – Val d’Isère event. Held at the Conway Farms Golf Club, it’s the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Under the guidance of top event production firm ESP Presents, and with the support of presenting sponsor Packaging Corporation of America, the fundraiser will transport guests to the French Alps, home to one of the world’s most epic après ski scenes and the famed club La Folie Douce.
The indoor/outdoor affair begs for a chic ski suit or fun alpine costume and will feature beats from Chicago club DJ Sleepy Eagz. Chef Paul Kahan of One Off Hospitality will again be overseeing the menu, highlighting tastes from the beloved Chicago restaurant Avec, which will open in Highwood in mid-2026.
“Last year’s Aspen-themed sell-out event was such a hit, we knew we had to bring it back and add an international twist,” says Anderson. “This year’s focus is on raising funds for much-needed technology upgrades across Allendale’s campus—improvements that will make it easier for the residents and students to learn, connect with the people they love, and prepare for life outside of Allendale.”
In addition to her volunteer work for Allendale, Anderson also recently took on a full-time position on J.P. Morgan’s North Shore team that merges her financial expertise with her passion for people.
“I wanted independence, stability, and a sense of purpose,” she says, explaining that the opportunity came up following her completion of a rigorous fellowship and passing a series of exams. “It’s very relationship-focused, which I love.”
Today, all the things she’s done so far on her journey have come full circle. In addition to her passion for helping the children and families of Allendale, she has become an advocate for women to feel more empowered in their financial lives.
“It’s so important for women to have these conversations,” says Anderson, who’s now building her own book of business at J.P. Morgan. “When we’re open and honest about our goals and concerns, we can create plans that really support the future we want. That’s what drives me.”
To learn more about Allendale, visit allendale4kids.org. Follow Allendale Women’s Board on Instagram at @allendalewomensboard.
