Please join us as we welcome Karen Grush, DeKalb representative, to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors. Karen received her RN from Holy Cross School of Nursing in South Bend, Indiana, her B.S. in Nursing from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, and her M.S. in Nursing from Northern Illinois University. Karen spent 29 years as the Public Health Administrator for the DeKalb County Health Department, dedicating her professional career to promoting health and preventing disease. She and her husband Joe, both now retired, continue to reside in DeKalb where they have been for the past 44 years. Their daughter Elizabeth lives nearby in Geneva with her husband and two children. Twenty-five years ago during the Bosnian War, they welcomed into their home through Rotary International, a teenage boy by the name of Aleks Kosoric, who quickly became part of the family. Their son Aleks lives in Sycamore with his wife and daughter.

Karen has been an engaged community member since moving to DeKalb. She has served as a member, officer, and volunteer for many community organizations and boards. She has firsthand experience working with dedicated and caring individuals, backed by a strong network of agencies, organizations, and governmental bodies, all striving to better the quality of life for residents in DeKalb County.

“I am honored and privileged to have been chosen to serve on the Community Foundation Board. I look forward to continuing my commitment to the service of others and the community by promoting the mission of the Foundation.” – Karen Grush

The Community Foundation Board of Directors are selected to represent communities throughout DeKalb County. The Board sets policy, formulates strategic planning, and determines priorities in grantmaking. Because of the willingness of these able, effective individuals who donate their time and talents to the ultimate betterment of DeKalb County, the Foundation continues to grow to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.