Karen DuBois-Walton

President, Elm City Communities & Housing Authority of New Haven

Karen DuBois-Walton, Ph.D., is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and equitable development. Throughout her career, Dr. DuBois-Walton has held various executive leadership positions, leveraging her expertise to drive positive change. As the President of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, she spearheaded initiatives to address systemic inequities in housing and community development, education, and economic access and opportunity. Overseeing a team of 150, an annual budget in excess of $130M, and assets over $800M, her collaborative approach and strategic vision created transformational change and impact and earned her respect from colleagues, stakeholders, and community members alike.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. DuBois-Walton is actively engaged in community building, advocacy, and civic leadership. She is a vocal advocate for marginalized communities, working tirelessly to amplify their voices and address the structural barriers they face and to build a more inclusive and just society. She serves as Chair of the Board of the Melville Charitable Trust, overseeing a $130M asset base and directing program and mission-related investments toward addressing the root causes of the crisis of homelessness. Additionally, she is the immediate Past Chair of the CT State Board of Education and serves as a member of other local boards and commissions.

Dr. DuBois-Walton's leadership has garnered recognition and accolades from peers and organizations across the country. She earned her BA from Yale University and an MA and Ph.D. from Boston University. She resides in New Haven with her family.