Karen Tooley Curry,
Chairman & Executive Director
Karen Tooley Curry established Tooley Community Development Group (TooleyCDG) in 2020. Since then, she has led TooleyCDG, a non-profit organization dedicated to tackling critical issues in Brevard County’s East Mims area, with a focus on education, economic development, history, arts, culture, and housing. Under her visionary leadership, Karen has assembled a board of skilled individuals and a dedicated team, working tirelessly to revitalize North Brevard County.
Karen’s impressive track record includes securing over $450,000 in funding within TooleyCDG’s first two years. She successfully launched the Summer STEM program in 2022 and 2023, significantly enhancing educational outcomes for Brevard County’s youth. Additionally, she initiated the CommunityLink program, engaging over 100 East Mims families and providing vital case management and referral services. In 2023, CommunityLink expanded its service area and offerings by aligning with the Brevard Homeless Coalition to assist unsheltered families in North Brevard County.
Before founding TooleyCDG, Karen held key roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, contributing her strategic expertise. As Strategic Integration Analyst for the NASA Gateway Logistics Element (GLE) Project, she provided strategic communications recommendations, facilitated strategy development, and ensured alignment with the Gateway Program’s communication plan. Earlier, as a Communications Analyst with the NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program, she developed executive-level communications materials, coordinated outreach efforts, and represented the program at NASA Headquarters and other centers. Notably, she played a pivotal role in rebranding the GSDO program into the NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program, a significant achievement in alignment with congressional appropriations.
After leaving NASA in 2020, Karen’s consultancy secured a contract to provide strategic planning and guidance as a diversity and inclusion consultant for the EGS program. From 2020 to 2023, she worked with senior EGS program leaders to establish a Tiger Team of employees dedicated to creating an action plan, communications, and policies to foster a more inclusive workplace.
Karen’s career also includes roles outside of NASA, such as her tenure as Temporary Fair Lending Program Manager at Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida. There, she managed a HUD Fair Housing Initiatives/Mortgage Rescue Scam grant, focusing on combating discrimination and predatory lending. Her accomplishments included filing formal reports, presenting at events, and effectively managing grant funds.
As Director of Resident Services at the Sarasota Housing Authority, Karen established a department that improved communication and established programs for over 1,000 public housing and Section 8 housing families. She secured substantial grants, presented to stakeholders, and built collaborations with local nonprofits, showcasing her commitment to community development.
Karen holds a Master of Arts Degree in Communications Management from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with a Minor in Theatre from Florida A&M University.
Beyond her professional achievements, Karen is an accomplished author, having written several books and articles. She has been recognized for her contributions to community development and has received numerous awards, including the HUD and FAHRO Best Practice Awards, NASA Achievement Award, and the MEI Certificate of Appreciation.
Karen’s distinguished accomplishments in community development, strategic leadership, and exceptional track record make her a prominent figure in her field, leaving an indelible mark on the organizations and communities she serves.
Tooley Community Development Group is the community development arm of Greater Works Christian Center.