Karen Rettner
Retired Human Resource Specialist
Philanthropist
BIOGRAPHY
Karen is a friend of the university. She played an integral role in the redevelopment of the Eastman Community Music School, where the Karen Rettner Community Music Center is named in her honor. Karen has been an active member of the Eastman National Council since 2015. She and her husband, Ron, are involved with the Tanglewood Music Festival where they are members of the Koussevitzky Society, Tanglewood Board of Advisors, and the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Karen has a special passion for supporting young musicians, sponsoring the Trombone Section for many years, as well as sponsoring Trombone Fellows, where she has maintained friendships with young musicians who are performing in orchestras all over the world.
Karen was named Hadassah Westchester Woman of the Year. She has been active in AIPAC, arranging meetings and forums with members of Congress in her home. Karen is also an active member of the Cummer Art Museum in Jacksonville, Florida.
Karen was born in Brooklyn, NY and earned her MBA in Organizational Behavior and Small Group Development from Pace University. She worked in human resources and employee benefits in banking, before turning her efforts to volunteer work and community organizations. Karen and Ron have been active in the University, both as members of the George Eastman Society and Ron, as a University Trustee.
They have made significant gifts to the University, including Rettner Hall for Media Arts and innovation, the Rettner Campus Improvement Fund, and the Eastman Community Music School. Karen and Ron resided in Westchester County, where they raised their two grown children—Matthew and Meredith—and now make their homes in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and the Berkshires.