🎉 MEET THE BOARD MEMBER MONDAY 🎉

Today, we’re excited to introduce Karen Millsap, Treasurer of the Granite City CEO Board! 🧡

Karen’s journey to Granite City has taken her quite a few places! She grew up in Jennings, Missouri, attended college in Bolivar, Missouri, and even spent time living in Brazil in Araruama, Rio de Janeiro, and Florianópolis. After returning to the United States and living in Fenton and Cedar Hill, Missouri, Karen married in 2004 and made Granite City — her husband’s hometown — her home.

Karen first became involved with the Granite City CEO program in 2015 when her neighbor, Kyle Thompson, a CEO alumnus and Granite City High School coach, invited her to speak to his CEO class. She shared her expertise in business writing, resumes, interviewing, and building a professional social media presence. From there, she continued presenting annually to both the Granite City and Edwardsville CEO programs.

After retiring in 2025 from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, where she served as Systems Training Manager for the Environmental and Safety Department, Karen knew she wanted to continue investing in young people and helping the CEO program succeed. Becoming a board member was a natural next step. 💼📚

Karen’s life motto is:

✨ “Live life to the fullest with laughter and love, leaving the world better for others as our lives cross.”

Her advice to young people is to cultivate curiosity — ask questions, explore new ideas, meet new people, and never stop learning. She encourages students to seek out internships, part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, and side projects because every experience can teach new skills, build confidence, and help uncover your strengths.

🌎 Fun facts about Karen:
She has traveled to 16 countries, visited 39 states, and even serves on the board of the United States M&M Collector Club! 🍫

We are incredibly grateful for Karen’s experience, curiosity, and continued dedication to helping the next generation of Granite City leaders grow and succeed.

Please help us thank Karen for serving our students and our community! 🧡

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