USC Marshall School of Business

Karen Kurek is a partner and managing director with RSM McGladrey. As head of the firm’s Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution Practice in its Great Lakes Region, Karen oversees more than 300 professionals who provide audit, tax and consulting services to over 1,500 manufacturing and wholesale distribution clients in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. In this capacity.

Karen joined RSM McGladrey after 20 years with Arthur Andersen LLP. During her time at Andersen, Karen served clients as a lead partner in Andersen’s Enterprise Group. Karen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society.

Karen serves on the board of directors of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association as chair of the Compensation and HR committee. She also was recently elected to the board of directors and chair of the audit committee for the Global FoodBanking Network. She is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Business Forums International and the Senior Businesswomen’s Forum. Previously, she served on the board of directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Girl Scouts of Chicago.

Karen has authored numerous articles including: "State of Manufacturing: Technology and Today’s Global Value Chain." Karen is a graduate of the University of Illinois and earned a bachelor’s of science degree with the highest distinction in accounting. She is also a certified public accountant. Karen previously received the U.S. Small Business Administration "Women in Business Champion of the Year" award for the state of Illinois, was named an "Influential Women in Business," by "The Business Ledger" and received the "Women to Watch" award by the Illinois CPA Society.