Karen Ponder
Leadership Lumpkin County Non-Member Alumni
I was born in Toccoa, GA then moved to Columbus, GA due to my dad's job. Later, after marrying Ernest, I moved to Donalsonville, GA where we were partners in a restaurant franchise and I owned a printing business. We raised our three children there. With my son attending UNG I quickly fell in love with Dahlonega and became excited about returning to my North Georgia roots. I have always been involved in the community that I live in and Dahlonega is no different. One of my most proud volunteer efforts was organizing an annual 5K breast cancer run in memory of my sister, Joyce. Our son is presently serving in the Army, a daughter and her husband live in Lavonia (they are making us grandparents this December) and our other daughter and her husband (a teacher and coach at LCHS) followed us to Dahlonega. I am excited about this opportunity and serving this amazing community.