Karen Tooley Curry, the dynamic and visionary Chairman & Executive Director of TooleyCDG, stands as a trailblazer in the realm of community development. Assuming leadership in September 2020, she has not just led but transformed TooleyCDG, steering its mission to address crucial issues in Brevard County’s East Mims area.
Her commitment spans health, education, economic development, and housing, embodying a comprehensive approach to community revitalization. Karen has not only recruited a skilled board but also orchestrated a dedicated team, working tirelessly to reshape the landscape of North Brevard County.
Under her strategic guidance, TooleyCDG has achieved remarkable milestones, securing over $450,000 in funding within the initial two years. This financial foundation has enabled the implementation of impactful initiatives, such as the highly successful Summer STEM program in 2022 and 2023. The program, a testament to Karen’s forward-thinking leadership, has played a pivotal role in enhancing educational outcomes for the youth of Brevard County.
Equally noteworthy is the CommunityLink program, an initiative spearheaded by Karen, engaging over 100 East Mims families. This program is not merely a service; it’s a lifeline, providing crucial case management and referral services, further solidifying TooleyCDG’s commitment to holistic community support.
Beyond TooleyCDG, Karen’s trajectory includes pivotal roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where her strategic prowess left an indelible mark. As Project Strategic Integration for NASA’s Gateway Logistics Element (GLE) Project, her responsibilities were expansive, encompassing strategic communications recommendations, facilitating strategy development, and ensuring alignment with the Gateway Program’s overarching communication plan. This experience showcased Karen’s ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes with finesse.
Her contributions at NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program, particularly in rebranding GSDO into the NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program, exemplify her strategic acumen. This endeavor, aligned with congressional appropriations, speaks volumes about her ability to bring about meaningful change within large organizations.
Karen’s journey includes impactful roles outside NASA. As Temporary Fair Lending Program Manager at Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, she managed a HUD Fair Housing Initiatives/Mortgage Rescue Scam grant. Her efforts were geared towards combating discrimination and predatory lending, reflecting her commitment to social justice.
Her role as Director of Resident Services at the Sarasota Housing Authority showcased her ability to build bridges between communities and organizations. Establishing a department that improved communication and services for over 1000 public housing and Section 8 housing families, Karen’s leadership here was marked by securing substantial grants, presenting to stakeholders, and building collaborations with local nonprofits.
Karen’s educational background is as impressive as her professional journey. She holds a Master’s in Communications Management from Webster University and a Bachelor’s in Economics with a Theatre Minor from Florida A&M University. Committed to ongoing professional growth, she actively participated in various training programs, including HUD Section 3 Training and Grant Writing.
An accomplished author, Karen’s literary contributions add another layer to her multifaceted career. Recognized with prestigious awards like the NASA Group Achievement Award and the MEI Certificate of Appreciation, Karen’s dedication, leadership, and exceptional track record continue to shape organizations and communities, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of community development.