Yale School of Management - Karen Anderson '87

"At Yale SOM I found faculty and student peers who helped shape my understanding of the way organizations operate to achieve mission critical objectives — but I could have gotten that understanding at many business schools. The Yale SOM difference was the way in which I was prepared to develop a mission that matters, holding myself and my key associates responsible for delivering that mission; this prepared me to lead an organization that holds tight to a differentiating mission in an industry of copycat competitors."

Karen Anderson is the founder, president, and CEO of Cordia Senior Living. Cordia currently operates in two key business arenas, including: 1) management of independent and assisted senior communities for owner-partners; and 2) advisory services to developers and investors who wish to participate in the significant opportunities now available in the senior marketplace. In this role, Karen is responsible for setting the vision for the company and providing strategic direction to all facets of the business. Karen has over 25 years’ experience providing services to seniors in residential environments, both in the United States and abroad.

Prior to joining Cordia Senior Living, Karen was president of AdvantageHEALTH Management Corporation, responsible for the operation and financial performance of the adult independent and assisted living residences under the company’s management. Her full-time commitment to the senior living industry began when she served as an investment officer at Aetna Realty Investors overseeing their senior housing investment portfolio.

Karen is a past chairman of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Facilities Association (MASS ALFA), a member of the Assisted Living Federation of America, and served as founding President of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. Karen is a longtime member of the executive board of the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and served as treasurer from 1999 — 2001. She holds a BA in political science from Yale College and an MPPM in public and private management from the Yale School of Management.