Karen Nystrom Meyer '70, HON '18

Karen Nystrom Meyer has devoted her decades-long career to advancing policy and practice in essential matters of the commons. Ms. Meyer joined Governor Madeleine Kunin’s administration in 1985 as Commissioner of Housing and Community Affairs, where she worked to improve community planning and increase affordable housing for Vermonters. She was instrumental in the founding of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, which has become a national model.

In 1988, Ms. Meyer was appointed executive vice president of the Vermont Medical Society, the first woman to be named as chief executive of a state medical society, where she helped found a leading-edge statewide program for health care improvement. In 2001, Ms. Meyer joined the University of Vermont senior leadership team; the following year she was named vice president for State, Federal, and Community Relations. She served the University of Vermont as a trustee from 1998 to 2001, was a founding member of the UVM Foundation Board of Directors, and currently serves as a member of the Foundation Leadership Council and the National Campaign Executive Council.

Ms. Meyer has leveraged her extensive leadership and strategic planning expertise in service to nonprofit and corporate boards throughout the state. Ms. Meyer has won national and world dragon boat championships. She and her team—all cancer survivors—competed in this ancient sport both on Lake Champlain and in races around the world.