Karen Fischer is a recently retired community developer with 36 years of experience working with rural municipalities, organizations, Indigenous communities, and businesses. Throughout her career, she has served as a program developer, coach, facilitator, trainer, and collaborator—building partnerships and providing strategic guidance, resources, and tools to enhance economic and community development capacity and sustainability.

An award-winning economic development professional and a dedicated champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Karen is passionate about fostering vibrant, diverse, and welcoming communities. She brings a deep understanding of community development strategies, programs, and resources to her work.

As a white settler and aspiring ally, Karen resides on the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee Nations, adjacent to Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, in the rural village of Consecon on Wellers Bay. She believes strongly in the power of community and is an avid volunteer locally and beyond. A lover of the outdoors, she finds joy in kayaking, hiking, cycling, camping, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.