Karen DuBois-Walton, Ph.D. is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and equitable development. With a distinguished career spanning the realms of academia, public service, and non-profit and philanthropic leadership, she has emerged as a tireless champion for equity, social justice, access and opportunity.

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 $130 M and assets in excess of $800 M, her collaborative approach and strategic vision created transformational change and impact and earned her respect from colleagues, stakeholders, and community members alike.

Dr. DuBois-Walton holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology, complemented by a wealth of hands-on experience in government, non-profit and philanthropy. Her academic background, combined with her passion for social justice, informs her advocacy efforts and shapes her innovative solutions to complex societal challenges.

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 $130 M 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 a MA and Ph.D. from Boston University.  She resides in New Haven with her family.