MEDIA RELEASE
January 13, 2012, Ottawa, ON – The Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rita Karakas as our new Senior Advisor, Business Development and Corporate Affairs. Ms. Karakas joins the MLI team with over 20 years of global experience in both the government and non-government sector. She has considerable expertise and proven specialization in developing solid strategies for corporate planning, organizational change and strategic management.
“Even though MLI is less than two years old, our phenomenal growth has meant that we have quickly outrun our administrative and operations capacities. That is why we are delighted to welcome Rita Karakas to the institute,” said MLI Managing Director Brian Lee Crowley. “Rita’s extensive association experience in every area of expertise we need comes at a critical moment in the growth and development of MLI and I know that with her skills the institute is well positioned to meet the challenges of growth.”
Prior to joining MLI, Ms. Karakas held senior executive positions across a wide range of organizations, including the United Way/Centraide Canada, YWCA of/du Canada, TVOntario, and Oxfam Great Britain. She was the principal and managing partner of RSK Associates Inc., an international strategic management advisory practice specializing in non-governmental organizations. She has also worked extensively with global clients such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Australian Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Council, Oxfam Australia, Oxfam Quebec, and Oxfam International.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the important work of the institute,” said Ms. Karakas. “I look forward to working with the MLI team as we continue to push forward new public policy ideas for Canadians,” she added.
Ms. Karakas will be responsible for MLI’s corporate affairs, business development, and operational management. She will focus in particular on resource development strategies, including special events, communications, and marketing. She can be reached at rita.karakas@macdonaldlaurier.ca or by telephone at 613-482-8327 ext. 102.
