The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has named Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton, former chair of the Connecticut State Board of Education as its next president and chief executive officer.
DuBois-Walton, president Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven, succeeds Will Ginsberg, who is stepping down after 24 years, on Nov. 2, according to the foundation.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this leadership role at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and for the opportunity to work with the team and in this community with so many committed volunteers and donors to build a stronger, more connected and more equitable Greater New Haven Region,” DuBois-Walton said in a statement.
“My vision for the future is one where we work together to create a more equitable and inclusive Greater New Haven — a region where every resident in all 20 towns has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or zip code. This is the work I have committed to in my personal and professional career and it is what I am most excited to continue at The Foundation. This work requires bold and collaborative solutions and my work is known for that.”
DuBois-Walton she has been president of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, or HANH, for 16 years.
HANH serves more than 6,000 families and 14,000 people, and includes the Glendower Group, LLC (its development affiliate) and 360 Management Group, Inc., the property management affiliate, the statement said.
“Leading the $800 million umbrella organization, she has spearheaded initiatives to address systemic inequities in housing and community development, education and economic access and opportunity,” it said.
“Karen is an extraordinary leader of high integrity. She has a longstanding commitment to Greater New Haven and possesses the experience and vision needed for bringing together all stakeholders to create a more equitable and inclusive community.” said Foundation board chair Marcella Nunez-Smith, also in a statement. “As we welcome Karen, we also extend our immense gratitude to Will for his leadership and overseeing the incredible growth of The Foundation during his tenure.”
Ginsberg served as The Foundation’s leaders since 2000.
The Foundation Board of Directors chose DuBois-Walton following a “rigorous national search conducted by a committee of current and former board members in partnership with Koya Partners, a search firm that specializes in placing CEOs in mission-driven roles.”
“Karen has the unique combination of leadership ability, experience and deep connection to and passion for the Greater New Haven community that put her at the top of a very talented candidate pool,” Fernando Muñiz, chair of the search committee and vice chair of The Foundation’s Board of Directors, said, in the statement. “I thank my fellow committee members for their time, expertise and wisdom in completing this important work and we all look forward to The Foundation’s next chapter with Karen as our new leader.”
Other search committee members included Nunez-Smith, current Board members Greg Pepe and Valarie Shultz Wilson, and former Board Chair Khalilah Brown-Dean.
“Karen is a great member of our community and a longtime inspirational community leader. She is a perfect fit for The Community Foundation because she knows our community, she understands our community and she loves our community. The Foundation’s Board could not have made a better choice,” said Ginsberg.
DuBois-Walton holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology and is immediate past chair of the State Board of Education. She previously served as chief of staff and chief administrative officer for Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. in New Haven, the statement said.
“We are saddened to see Karen leave Elm City Communities. It is through her leadership that ECC has developed into the pillar of the community that it is today,” William E. Kilpatrick, Chair of the ECC/HANH board said, in a separate statement. “We are forever grateful for her commitment to our communities and look forward to seeing her continue serving New Haven in her new role at the Community Foundation.”
