Kari's unwavering commitment to service, ignited by her father's dedication, began in 2007 when she joined the Claremont Sunrise Rotary Club. She led the club as President twice (2011-2012 and 2017-2018) and undertook various roles, including Club Treasurer and Membership Chair.  Her dedication is evident in her roles as an Area Governor, a member of the Rose Parade Float committee, the District Conference Committee, the Peace Conference Committee, and the Public Image Chair. Her participation in TLC, RYLA, and the RLI Rotary Leadership Institute further underscores her profound dedication to Rotary and community service. 

In 2011, Kari's personal and Rotary journeys intersected when she married Devo Anderson. They celebrated their union by inviting their entire Rotary club to their wedding, a testament to the deep connections Kari has formed within the Rotary community. Their commitment to service was further demonstrated in 2012 when, inspired by a District Conference promoting the eradication of Polio, they chose to forgo a traditional honeymoon and instead traveled to India to administer Polio vaccinations and help build a percolation dam.  She and her husband Devo (Claremont Sunrise Rotary Club president 2024-2025) have since attended multiple Rotary International Conventions, further strengthening their ties to the global Rotary community. 

 As a 40+ years Type I diabetic, you can often find Kari with her medical alert Labrador retriever Lizzy (named after a character from a Jane Austin novel). 

 Kari's professional journey has been diverse and dynamic. She began her career opening restaurants for Sweet Tomatoes across the U.S., one chicken wonton salad at a time. Then, she transitioned into the non-profit sector, coordinating ASL interpreter services for hospitals day or night within an hour of the request. Each role has provided unique insights that inform her approach to service, showcasing her adaptability and resourcefulness.

As the CEO and Founder of EMS, Inc., Kari has been assisting individuals across Southern California to secure meaningful employment opportunities since 2012.  Her team emphasizes the importance of personal choice and investment in one's vocational journey. 

A Paul Harris Fellow, Bequest Society member, and consistent contributor, she demonstrates a deep understanding of the foundation's crucial role in enabling Rotary's global impact.

With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, Kari brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to her Rotary leadership. This combination instills confidence in her ability to understand and address the diverse needs of the Rotary community.

As Kari steps into the role of District Governor, she brings with her a vision of building on the strong foundation laid by her predecessors. She is eager to work alongside fellow Rotarians, learn from their experiences, and collectively strive to make a positive difference in local and global communities. Her vision, which is filled with hope and excitement, promises a bright future for Rotary.