Karen LaBate is Vice President of Commercial Banking at Deerwood Bank. She has served customers in the banking industry for 16 years and is committed to building lasting relationships as a trusted partner and adviser to her clients and colleagues. Prior to working in commercial banking, Karen was a stay at home Mom with their 4 children. She was an active volunteer in the classroom, sports teams and at church. She managed a rental properties company she owned with her husband, Joe, along with running a seasonal business located near their cabin on Lake Vermilion.
Karen has been a mentor in Hope for Tomorrow for 10 years, 4 years with the Burnsville Metcalf Chapter and 6 years with the Burnsville Nicollet Chapter. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2013; Treasurer for 4 years, Vice Chair for one year. She serves as Board Treasurer for Women in Manufacturing, Minnesota chapter, is active in Habitat for Humanity and Feed My Starving Children. She served as Board member and Treasurer for National Youth Leadership Council for 9 years. Karen earned a B.S. in Business/Marketing from Winona State University.
Karen grew up in Richfield, Minnesota and currently lives in Eagan with her husband, Joe. They have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. They are enjoying life as empty-nesters. Karen enjoys spending time at their cabin, hiking, all forms of outdoor activities, a good book (when there is time), gardening, interior design and remodeling.
