Karen DuBois-Walton Named President and CEO of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has named Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton as the next president and chief executive officer of the region’s community endowment and largest grant maker to local nonprofits.

DuBois-Walton, most recently the president Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven, succeeds Will Ginsberg, who is stepping down after 24 years, on Nov. 2. 

“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.

"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."

Dr. DuBois-Walton brings two decades of leadership experience in government and public sectors. For the past 16 years, she has been president of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH), which serves more than 6,000 families and 14,000 individuals and includes the Glendower Group, LLC (the development affiliate of HANH) and 360 Management Group, Inc. (the property management affiliate). 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

“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 The Foundation Board Chair Marcella Nunez-Smith. “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.”

The search process for a new president and CEO began following Ginsberg’s announcement in the fall of 2023 that he would retire in November 2024. He has served at The Foundation’s helm since 2000.

The Community Foundation Board of Directors chose Dr. 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,” said Fernando Muñiz, chair of the search committee and vice chair of The Foundation’s Board of Directors. “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.”

In addition to Muñiz, 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.

Dr. DuBois-Walton holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology and is the immediate past chair of the CT State Board of Education. She previously served as chief of staff and chief administrative officer for Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. in New Haven.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. DuBois-Walton is actively engaged in community building, advocacy and civic leadership. She serves as chair of the Board of the Melville Charitable Trust, overseeing a $130 M asset base and directing program and mission-related investments toward addressing the root causes of the crisis of homelessness. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, and master’s degree and Ph.D. from Boston University. She resides in New Haven with her family.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s mission is to “inspire, support, inform, listen to and collaborate with the people and organizations of Greater New Haven to build an ever more connected, inclusive, equitable and philanthropic community.”

Established in 1928, The Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the U.S. Generations of donors past and present have built the Foundation’s permanent charitable endowment, which serves 20 towns in Greater New Haven.