Karen Walsh

Karen Walsh Consults

This is a picture of Karen Walsh, a facilitator at the conference

Facilitator

Principal, Karen Walsh Consults

Karen Walsh is a nationally respected executive leader, freelance consultant and facilitator with 30+ years’ experience in housing, homelessness and human services. Her work is driven by a clear vision for housing equity, particularly for First Nations peoples, a focus she has advanced for more than 20 years.

Karen has held senior roles including CEO of Venture Housing, NSW Shelter, National Shelter and CHIA. At SGCH, she led portfolio strategy during major growth, advanced the Sustainable Tenancies Framework, championed tenant-led innovation and collaborated to deliver Australia’s first large-scale social housing public-private partnership at Bonnyrigg.

In the Northern Territory, Karen spearheaded the first Community Housing Growth Strategy and, as CEO of Venture Housing, positioned the organisation as a Tier 1 provider, tripled its portfolio and increased Aboriginal tenancies from 16% to 45%. 

Karen holds dual Master’s degrees, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow at UTS. Recognised through national awards and board appointments, she combines commercial acumen, social purpose and collaborative leadership to deliver lasting impact.