Karen Basi Email & Phone Number

I anticipate the changing needs of our community and work to improve services to support them.With a breadth and depth of experience in cultural services, I am trusted by Council to implement strategic plans and deliver shared goals. Having worked in both the City of Coquitlam and the City of Burnaby, I have strong working relationships with stakeholders and understand their decision motivations. Building relationships across departments has allowed me to look beyond the culture portfolio and make decisions that support the entire City.A politically savvy and well-respected Cultural Services Manager, for over two decades I have improved community connection and cultural vitality. I provide exceptional strategic leadership and empower cross-functional teams to implement and achieve Council’s priorities. Some recent accomplishments include:* Delivering five signature events, celebrations and community engagement projects $68K under budget while fully meeting mission and vision.* Implementing six of the Council’s top 10 action items within three years of a 15-year strategic plan.* Developing and implementing 80% of a five-year strategic plan within three years.* Modernizing special events policy providing an effective, transparent and comprehensive framework that led to the expansion of community events from 62 to 146 between 2015 and 2022.* Supervising a two-year, $300K funded public artworks project. Developing City’s first public art conservation maintenance manual. Negotiating cost-sharing and maintenance agreements with TransLink.* Stepping up, during COVID to set up and staff the Emergency Operations Centre in the absence of a Manager of Emergency Programs.As a well-respected champion who challenges the status quo, navigates and removes obstacles then implements best practices, I represent the interests of the City well.For 25+ years I have brought stakeholders together. With an enviable network of stakeholders, I have a thorough understanding of municipal government and how to navigate within it.Improving Services to Support Changing Community Needs.

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  Simon Fraser University

  Communications