Page 14 - LRCC FOCUS March 2020

KAREN

GRANNEMANN

2019 ATHENA Leadership

Award Recipient

hether it has been in her professional career, service to the
community or commitment to her family, Karen Grannemann
has relentlessly pursued a course that has defined excellence.
Along the way, she has overcome challenges and defied the
odds. Her list of accomplishments is a true testament to her
passion, dedication and determination, and serves as a model
Wto the people she has positively influenced along the way.

Karen has been named the recipient of the 2019 ATHENA Leadership Award
by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. She will be honored at
the ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 24 for her
excellence in professional leadership throughout a career that has spanned more
than 40 years, her tireless commitment that has made a lasting impact in the
community service arena and her passionate support in mentoring other women.

“When I look at the amazing women who have received this award, as well as the
many others who wholeheartedly deserve it, being named the 2019 ATHENA
recipient is both humbling and affirming,” said Grannemann. “The true reward
has been working with amazing people to achieve meaningful outcomes, both Highlights of Karen’s accomplishments at the U-Club include planning
at the University Club and in service to our community. However, knowing that and opening the Henry Center for Executive Development along with the
my colleagues have noticed the efforts and appreciate the results is uplifting U-Club’s fitness center, spa and child care facility; opening the Club’s new
beyond description. It’s also a call to continue giving my all and I will certainly member dining venues, Mixx and Mingle; and directing the construction
do my best to earn the recognition as well as the trust with which it was given.” of a new pool. Karen also helped negotiate and execute the successful
merger of the U-Club with the City Club of Lansing.
“Karen Grannemann is the epitome of what the Bill Beekman, athletic director, Michigan State
ATHENA Leadership Award is all about as a successful University (MSU), has worked with Karen for more
business leader, community servant, and mentor to than a decade and currently serves as president of the
other women,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, U-Club’s Board of Directors. Beekman credits Karen
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Whatever with nurturing a team of exceptional professionals
role she has assumed in business and community through the most daunting of circumstances.
leadership, she has performed her responsibilities with
passion, dedication and determination. She is most deserving of joining the “In the tight financial times of the last decade, many clubs have closed or
ranks of past ATHENA recipients in our region.” reorganized through bankruptcy,” said Beekman. “Under Karen’s leadership,
the University Club is the only club that has remained solvent among the
A PROFESSIONAL CAREER ON THE FRONT LINES OF CHANGE original four clubs in Lansing. The U-Club is not the only solvent, but
despite challenging times, Karen has led the continued renovation of the
During her 19 years with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & club, keeping it on par with the leading clubs of the Midwest.”
Lodging Association, Karen was on the front lines of change as the organization
grew 2600% in revenue and while staff expanded ten-fold. She drove countless Karen also redefined the U-Club’s culture, instilling a series of values her
new initiatives while serving in several different leadership roles. team lives every day. They see the Club as being in the business of making
connections, and the team places a high value on creating community. She
Karen came to the MSU University Club (U-Club) in 1997 with the goal is incredibly proud of what the U-Club has done in this area.
to travel less, downsize her responsibilities and spend more time with
her (then) young children. She began as director of membership, but was “I want our team to live in a community that provides them with the
quickly promoted to director of business operations, then chief operating things they need and want out of life,” said Grannemann. “We’ve strived
officer, and ultimately chief executive officer & general manager. She has to make the Club a meaningful contributor to the community through
been instrumental in creating and overseeing many significant changes and our involvement in fundraisers and by providing active support to several
dramatic growth at the U-Club. non-profits.”

14 FOCUS / MARCH 2020 LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 15