Brooklyn, NY (October 30, 2026) — Today, Brooklyn Communities Collaborative (BCC), a nonprofit focused on strengthening health and wealth in Brooklyn, announced the appointment of Karen Sheehan, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), to its Board of Directors.
BPL joined BCC as an anchor institution in 2024, adding one of the largest library systems in the country to BCC’s network of major Brooklyn healthcare, labor and educational organizations. Together, anchor institutions leverage their economic resources to strengthen the local economy and improve community health and well-being.
Sheehan, who oversees BPL’s finances, facilities, capital development, public safety and technology, has already partnered with BCC to increase opportunities for Brooklyn-based businesses and minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) through institutional procurement.
“Through her tireless work at BPL, Karen has already demonstrated her deep commitment to the wellbeing of Brooklyn communities,” said Shari Suchoff, Executive Director of Brooklyn Communities Collaborative. “Her leadership, financial expertise, and deep knowledge of the borough will be an instrumental addition to our Board and our work towards expanding economic opportunity to individuals and local businesses across Brooklyn.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how public institutions can leverage their resources to create opportunities and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Sheehan. “At Brooklyn Public Library, our work extends beyond our branches to reach communities in every corner of Brooklyn. Our partnership with BCC is another way we invest in the wellbeing of the communities we serve.”
At BPL, Sheehan’s leadership has included advancing the library’s largest capital investment and reconstruction program in more than 50 years. Prior to joining BPL, Sheehan served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at the New York County District Attorney’s Office, where she oversaw the creation of the Criminal Justice Investment Fund, an $800 million initiative investing in law enforcement improvements, criminal justice system reform and community-based crime prevention programs. She earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University at Albany, a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University.