Class of 2008

Karen Foster

Karen Foster, Champaign, has always followed politics and is a life-long Republican, but didn't take a strong interest until she was employed as Childcare Director at Champaign County Nursing Home Childcare Center which she began.  The Champaign County Board oversees the nursing home and she became familiar with the political workings of the Board during her 15 years of employment.  When the childcare center closed in 2006 she seriously broke into the political arena by becoming a precinct committee person, worked for the Judy Barr Topinka fundraiser and decided to run for Champaign City Council.  She succeeded in that effort by being one of the top 3 elected from a field of 9 for three At-Large seats.  She also serves as the Training Co-coordinator for the GOP Executive Board for Champaign County and is on the GOP Central Committee.

 Currently, she teaches preschool at the same church preschool that she founded in 1983.  She has come full circle and back to her “roots”.   She completed a B.S. in Education in 1972 and a M.S. in Education in Guidance and Counseling in 1999.  Her teaching career spans from preschool to elementary to child development classes at Parkland College.

 Her family consists of her “cheerleader” husband of 35 years, Steve; two grown children, Tom (Candy) and Stephanie; and two wonderful grandchildren, Megan and Sam.

 Being newly elected to the Council, Karen wants to learn as much as possible from becoming involved with women who share the same political ideals.  The Lincoln Series provides a plethora of information to help with achieving future goals and aspirations.