Since Acumen’s inception in 2007, Karen Anderson has been the face and the driving force behind Acumen Executive & Talent Search, committed to client engagement and delivering results. Acumen is the premiere boutique, woman-owned Executive Search firm in the Pacific Northwest with a global reach. Acumen works holistically and strategically with their clients to understand their business and culture to facilitate leadership; talent who can solve meaningful problems while being a cultural fit.  Acumen boasts a 92.7% three-year retention and 80-85% repeat and referral business, a testament to their success.

Succession planning (ideally done 4-8 years prior to an exit), is an integral part of Acumen’s business model, and indeed one of Acumen’s value propositions, working collaboratively with clients and professional advisors, developing win-win scenarios that meet all the stakeholders needs. 

Karen Anderson was born and raised in Kent, the south of England in the United Kingdom.  As an adult she traveled and worked extensively in various countries throughout 4 continents, prior to her 1981 arrival in America.  She has countless stories that one day will become a book, depicting Karen’s philosophy of “Anything is Possible” – she is passionate about helping people overcome adversity and empowering their professional and personal growth.

Karen actively lives her philosophy of “Givers Gain.”  Having served on several boards and volunteering, most recently at LOTSM (Lake Oswego Transitional Shelter Ministry), while also supporting 5 Rock Ranch (a ministry for fatherless children) in Yamhill County, where they help residents overcome addiction and other significant challenges.  Both ministries empower next steps for families, children and individuals and are dear to Karen’s heart.

Karen’s creative and innovative spirit shows up in both her professional and personal life.  Personal time is spent creating; gardening, entertaining and enjoying gourmet cuisine, great wine, music and dancing.  As a worldwide traveler she knows the value of welcoming guests, and in 2017 purchased a 14-acre riverfront venue, currently hosting corporate retreats and picnics, along with weddings and family events.  In 2019 she opened her stunning 4,200 sq. ft. event space.  She also has a cottage and studio apartment that hosts overnight guests. 

Karen is living her dream of sharing her personal oasis while making guests feel valued and appreciated.  The venue, NavarraGardens.com, being close to Portland, in wine country and just 30 miles from the coast is an ideal place to escape and “smell the roses” or a place for companies and senior staff to review, renew and reward.