WATERTOWN, SD -- Kari Carlson, CEO of Tower Systems Inc. and founding Board Member of the Tower Family Foundation was recently recognized as one of the three people who stepped up to launch the Tower Family Foundation. Carlson served as the first Secretary and Treasurer of the organization.

From the initial concept through the following six years, Kari served as a Board Member and Executive Committee Member through the turbulent start up years. Her influence and discipline set a course for unparalleled fiscal responsibility.

The Guardian Award recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated noteworthy and consistent volunteerism to the cause of The Tower Family Foundation and its beneficiaries. The award uses no funds from the Tower Family Foundation and was presented by Foundation President Jim Tracy during NATE UNITE in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Kari has been an inspirational model of volunteerism,” said Kenny Blakeslee, CEO of Apex Site Solutions and Foundation VP and Chairman of the Advisory Committee. “Her early vision and hard work were conspicuously above and beyond what would be reasonably expected.” This award recognizes the highest level of service to the families of the communications infrastructure industry who have been impacted by tragedy.