Karen Carter Peterson

Karen Carter Peterson is a life-long public servant and policy strategist with over two decades of leadership experience in state and local government. A native of New Orleans, Karen served in the Louisiana State Legislature for more than 20 years, first as a member of the House of Representatives and later as a State Senator representing District 5. During her tenure, she championed policies focused on equity, healthcare access, education, and economic development.

Karen made history as the first woman and first African American elected Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, a role in which she led statewide strategy and helped shape national engagement efforts. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to voting rights, civic participation, and government accountability.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School. Karen continues to be a trusted advisor to elected officials, organizations, and advocacy campaigns across the country, offering insights on legislative strategy, coalition building, and inclusive policy design.

Karen's extensive background in legislative leadership, political strategy, and equity-centered policymaking directly strengthens TCG’s ability to support complex governmental transitions and civic initiatives. Her experience navigating state-level systems and building broad coalitions enhances our capacity to advise clients on stakeholder engagement, policy alignment, and governance reform. As a trusted advisor and public servant, Karen brings both credibility and clarity to TCG’s mission of delivering inclusive, effective solutions for cities and communities.