Karen Lambert is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Peyton Anderson Foundation in Macon, Georgia, established in 1988 through the estate of Peyton Tooke Anderson, Jr.  Honoring Mr. Anderson’s wishes to improve the lives of citizens from his hometown, the Foundation initiates projects to meet needs in the community, responds to requests from charitable organizations, and provides college scholarships to promising students with financial need.

Karen is a Macon native and graduated from Mercer University with a degree in Business Administration.  Prior to joining the Peyton Anderson Foundation, she was President and CEO of Macon’s award-winning International Cherry Blossom Festival and Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful. Earlier in her career, she was Executive Director of Macon’s historic Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University that presents nationally-touring Broadway productions, community arts and educational programming.

Karen is a member of Southeastern Council of Foundations, Georgia Grantmakers Alliance, Macon Council of Foundations and City of Macon Sister Cities Commission. She is Vice Chair of NewTown Macon, serves on the Implementation Committee of OneMacon and the Board of Directors of the Museum of Aviation. Formerly, she was a Director of the Macon Rotary Club and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.  She is a 2012 Hull Fellow and a 1999 graduate of Leadership Macon.  A devoted community advocate, Karen has served numerous civic, professional and cultural organizations during her career. She has six children and five beautiful grandchildren.

Learn more about December Commencement here.