When Karen Shayne speaks, it’s not just that people listen.

It's that her story is so compelling, her life so inspiring, that people want to listen. A two-time cancer survivor, Karen didn’t just survive her condition, she rose above it. Today, the chief executive officer of Maristone Senior Living is an example of success in the face of hardship, a glimmer of light in the darkest of nights.

As a business professional, Karen is shaping the senior living industry an innovato at a time that demographics alone show a growing need for a new lifestyle for seniors in America.

Recognition came quickly for her moves to incorporate new media into the senior living industry using conventional and online media. She is the producer and host of "On Modern Age," a television show in Nashville, and writes columns to educate and help focus public policy on issues facing seniors. In 2009, Karen was awarded the Best of the Best by the Assisted Living Federation of America for her community outreach for "On Modern Age". Most recently, Karen was named to the Chairman Tennessee Chapter of the Assisted Living Federation of America and serves as State Chairman.

Karen, a former successful recording artist, has traveled the United States as a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

She was first diagnosed with cancer when she was 20 years old. Already published with an inspiring book, she is writing a second on her life to help others rise above adversity and the many challenges they face. Her reflections and accountability to SELF help women become the best they can be and inspires emotional and professional achievement.

Karen is the founder of Ivan and Sam/Billy's Wish, a nonprofit that helps children fight cancer through entertainment and educational programs. It provides age appropriate material to help children deal with the disease and what they will face through the colorful world of animation using DVD's, CD's and coloring books. The materials are free to hospitals in the United States.

Karen got her start in the business world with Capital Care Management Company. She moved into the senior living industry as a top executive of numerous assisted living, Alzheimer's and retirement living communities for ServiceMaster, Diversified Health Services and Atria Senior Living.

Karen is a member of the National Speakers Association, American Psychological Association, Assisted Living Federation of America, Tennessee Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Country Music Association, and BMI

She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Piedmont College, a liberal arts school in Demorest, Ga.

Honors
2010: Class of 2011 Leadership Middle Tennessee
2009: Assisted Living Federation of America Best of the Best Award "On Modern Age"
2008: Nashville Business Journal Williamson County Impact Award in the category of inspiration/mentor.
2007: Lifetime Television and L'Oreal Cosmetics "Women of Worth" nominee.
2005: Lance Armstrong Foundation "Spirit of Survivorship" Award nominee.
2005: Turner Broadcast System "Pathways" nominee.
2003: Small Business Council of America's "Humanitarian of the Year" Award.
2001: Georgia State Senate Resolution Honoree.
Former spokeswoman for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life