Speakers
Karen Gagnon
Karen M. Gagnon is the director of Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s “Cool Cities” initiative, which has become a movement and a nationally acclaimed collaborative model for economic engagement and community revitalization. It has resulted in a new way to think about urban policy. Cool Cities is novel, effective, significant, and transferable!
Ms. Gagnon helped develop the Cool Cities Initiative, www.coolcities.com, and established the multi-state agency Cool Cities Coordinating Team, which has revolutionized the way state government conducts business. She also helped launch the Cool Cities Pilot program in 2004 which now includes 102 state-wide award designations and priority access to an innovative State Resource Toolbox. The nineteen neighborhood pilot projects awarded in June of 2004 received catalyst grants of up to $100,000 which helped to leverage $350 million dollars of investment, encouraged disparate community groups to collaborate, and has been a true catalyst for economic development.
Previously, Ms. Gagnon worked in the department’s Office of Policy & Legislative Affairs working with legislation and served as a liaison between the department and legislature to solve constituent concerns with state government. In recognition of her work, Governor Granholm surprised Ms. Gagnon with a visit and presentation of a special appreciation gift. She was also the first recipient of the department director’s employee recognition.
Ms. Gagnon has 12 years of experience working in health regulation, including the health facility licensing and certification, health promotion and chronic disease prevention and substance abuse services. She received a Grand Idea Award for large State Departments saving the State $80,000 a year.
She graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in liberal arts from Western Michigan University, studied theatre at Michigan State University, and Computer Graphics Art at Lansing Community College. Ms. Gagnon challenged the norms and received an international aerobic fitness certification and helped write guidelines on movement classes for large women. She taught movement for eight years and received the YMCA “People’s Choice” award.
Ms. Gagnon’s favorite quote is from Auntie Mame, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death, so live, live, live!”
