KAREN BROWN

Experienced president with over 20 year of senior leadership, guiding 83,000 educators through a global pandemic. Successfully collaborated secured necessary resources and protective equipment for students and educators. Navigated complex high stakes negotiations that utilized alternative dispute mechanism and ended a 13 year strike history through strategic negotiations. Progressive management experience in human resource, strategic planning, financial management including budget development and monitoring. Proven track record of collaborating effectively with government officials and diverse stakeholders securing a 1 billion dollar investment in a National School Food Program. Committed to fostering productive Board environment.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is the largest Teacher Federation in Canada. As a dynamic leader with excellent communication skills, human resource and governance guidance I bring the following expertise as a Board member:

• Leading the review of policies and procedures related to Board governance with a focus on ensuring compliance withing legal frameworks
• Engaging with divers stakeholders including government officials, ministries, trustees, and boards
• Identifying, opportunities, advising on strategy recommending solutions,implementing strategic plans, and responding to objectives and priorities of the organization
• Practical knowledge of a defined benefit pension plans and employer owned benefit plans
• Management, presentation and delivery of budgets
• Chairing and transitioning Board through crisis management and leadership renewal
• Risk management through board developed fraud policy

2021- Present

Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) - President, Toronto

• Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans
• Enhanced union member satisfaction by addressing concerns and implementing solutions in a timely manner.
• Negotiated favorable contracts for union members, resulting in increased job security and improved working conditions.
• Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration strategies.
• Resolved grievances efficiently through mediation, arbitration, or other conflict resolution methods as needed.
• Communicated effectively both written and orally to stakeholders.

1999-2021

Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT) -Vice-President, : 2001-2004, 2005-2011,

Executive Officer: 1999-2000

• Worked with employer to resolve and facilitate the application of the collective agreement

Grievance Officer

• Crafted, presented and initiated grievances on behalf of members

Benefits Coordinator

• Provided information on long term disability and benefit entitlements to members

1993-1999

Toronto District School Board- Elementary Teacher

Primary/Junior/Intermediate

• Department lead for primary division

Special Education- Autism/Speech and language

• Worked independently and with a multidisciplinary team of professionals

• Brock University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Distinguished Graduate Award - 2022
• Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Alumni and Leaders Award for Distinguish Service-2022
• 100 Most Accomplished Black Women in Canada award- 2017

• Single Mothers inspiring Leadership in Education (SMIILE ) Founder and Director, providing mentorship and education bursaries
• Vimal Vijeyachumar (V.V) Tutoring, Instructor, Instructed primary students from the Srilankan community in the area of Language Arts
• Canadian Alliance of Black Educators, Assisted with membership and community programs
• Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, Member
• Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators, Member