Karen Tooley Curry,
Chairman & Executive Director
Since September 2020, Karen has been at the helm of TooleyCDG, a non-profit organization committed to addressing critical issues in Brevard County’s East Mims area, focusing on education; economic development; history, arts, and culture; and housing. Her visionary leadership extends to recruiting a board of skilled individuals and a dedicated team, working tirelessly to revitalize North Brevard County.
Karen’s remarkable track record includes securing over $450,000 in funding within the first two years of TooleyCDG’s operation. She has also overseen the successful implementation of the Summer STEM program in 2022 and 2023, significantly enhancing educational outcomes for Brevard County’s youth. Furthermore, Karen initiated the CommunityLink program, which has engaged over 100 East Mims families, providing vital case management and referral services.
Prior to her role at TooleyCDG, Karen played key roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where she contributed her strategic expertise. In her position as Strategic Integration Analyst for NASA Gateway Logistics Element (GLE) Project, she provided strategic communications recommendations, facilitated strategy development, and ensured alignment with the Gateway Program’s communication plan.
Before her work on the GLE project, Karen served as a Communications Analyst with NASA Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program. Her responsibilities included developing executive-level communications materials, coordinating outreach efforts, and representing 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 for-profit consultancy secured a contract to provide strategic planning and guidance as a diversity and inclusion consultant for the EGS program. From 2020 – 2023 she worked with senior EGS program leaders to establish a Tiger Team of employees working to create an action plan, communications, and policies to foster a more inclusive workplace.
Karen’s career also encompasses 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.
In her role as Director of Resident Services at the Sarasota Housing Authority, Karen established a department that improved communication and established programs for over 1000 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’s educational background includes 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 impressive career, Karen is also an accomplished author, having authored several books and articles. She has been recognized for her contributions to community development work 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.