Appleton To Seek New Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator

From the City of Appleton:

January 8, 2021

The City’s current Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Karen Nelson, has accepted a new position as Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) with Rogers Behavioral Health based in Oconomowoc, WI. Nelson’s last day with the City will be January 18.

"It is with mixed emotions that I have accepted an offer to join Rogers Behavioral Health as their first Director of EDI,” Nelson said. “While I love my job and hate to leave The City of Appleton, in these challenging times, I feel drawn to ensure the number one human need following the COVID-19 pandemic, that is top-notch mental health services, reaches more diverse communities across Wisconsin and throughout the United States."

Nelson’s tenure at the City of Appleton began in July 2017, serving as the City’s seventh coordinator. The role was created in 1997 with an early focus on improving relations between the City and the growing Hmong refugee population at that time. The role’s responsibilities and scope have grown over the years, and Mayor Jake Woodford has announced that the vacancy will be posted as quickly as possible.

The City of Appleton will be seeking a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator. An updated position description will reflect the needs of Appleton’s ever-changing community. The DEI Coordinator will continue leading the City’s work with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) network, as well as implementation of programs to assist other federally protected classes.

“The City of Appleton has long recognized something many communities are just now coming to see,” said Mayor Woodford. “In order to be a community that serves people equitably, focus and a daily commitment to the work are needed – that is what having a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator is all about.”

Mayor Woodford plans to gather input from community partners who represent various, diverse groups in Appleton and, as always, welcomes input from the public on this process.

“We are grateful to Karen Nelson for her service to our community, and for moving this work forward in important ways,” added Mayor Woodford. “We wish her all the best in her new endeavor.”

This press release was produced by the City of Appleton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.