Karen Bentz

Karen is a Knoxville, Tennessee native with a BS Degree from The University of Tennessee and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University.  She co-founded Land Design South, a Landscape Architecture firm in Florida which she managed for 32 years.  She and her husband now live permanently in Gatlinburg, where they own and operate Gatlinburg’s newest family outdoor attraction, Anakeesta.  They also develop real estate in several states and are currently building work force housing and commercial projects in Gatlinburg.  Karen is on the advisory board for The Great Smoky Mountains Association, a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women,  a former member of the Board of Governors for Arrowmont, and a Library Vice-Chairperson or Anna Porter Library.  Karen is the mother of three children and a grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren.  She and her family enjoy hiking, mountain biking and of course reading!