Staff

A native New Yorker, Karen has held a number of positions across city and state government. She has served as Co-Executive Director of the IRC since the current redistricting cycle began. Prior to joining the Commission, she was Co-Executive Director of LATFOR, where she supervised and contributed to data preparation efforts supporting the 2021 redistricting cycle. Earlier in her career, she spent 15 years at the NYC Department of City Planning, where she worked on transportation studies, bicycle lane design, and pedestrian safety measures. Her work included the redesign of several streets and sidewalks throughout NYC. Karen holds a B.A. from Yeshiva University and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from NYU.

Karen Blatt

Deputy Co-Executive Director, Sidney Parker
parkers@nyirc.gov

Douglas has spent his entire professional career working with the NYS legislature. He previously served as Chief of Staff to former State Senator George Amedore, developing policy initiatives and serving constituents from five counties. Prior to joining Senator Amedore's staff, Douglas was the Director of Legislative Service for the NYS Senate Majority Conference. There, he led a team drafting policy initiatives and legislative research. Douglas holds a Bachelors Degree in Law and Society from Sage College. He resides in the Capital Region with his wife and two children.

Douglas Breakell

Deputy Co-Executive Director, David Schaefer
schaeferd@nyirc.gov