Karen Ford

Karen has served New Yorkers for over 35 years across numerous areas in the social service sector, including supportive and transitional housing, health care, veterans, domestic and intimate partner violence, addiction services, welfare reform, school-based early intervention services, and maternal and infant health. Having previously worked at CAMBA over ten years ago, Karen returned as the Executive Vice President for Homeless and Support Services. Her role at CAMBA came after receiving a Mayoral appointment in the Adams administration as the inaugural Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services.

Karen possesses a history of taking on leadership roles, including at the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), HELPUSA, Samaritan Daytop Village, and many other organizations.

Politics NY recognized Karen as a 2023 Nonprofit Power Player and a Political Power Rising. Karen was previously honored by the National Association of Social Workers and has been officially recognized by elected officials. She is a HUD Community Builder Fellow and a New York Leadership Fellow at Baruch College and the City University Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management. Karen recently completed a fellowship in the Real Estate Associates Program Diversity in Commercial Real Estate. Karen graduated with honors from Adelphi University and Fordham University Schools of Social Work. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

She is a lifelong Brooklynite and is immensely proud of her Brooklyn accent. She has three beautiful children and three wonderful grandchildren who are her pride and source of joy.