Koren Gaines is the Managing Director of the National Network for Safe Communities. She co-leads the organization providing strategic direction, and coordination for programs and operations.
Previously, as Chief Operating Officer at New York Peace Institute, Koren led the nation’s largest community dispute resolution center. During this time, she oversaw the conflict resolution and training programs and operations during a time of significant growth. Koren also served as the acting Chief Executive Officer for 15 months during which time she established Organizational Conflict Consulting and expanded the conflict resolution training for the New York Police Department. Koren led the New York Peace Institute to be a finalist for the 2016 New York Community Trust Nonprofit Excellence Awards for excellence in nonprofit management.
Koren has over 30 years of experience with local, national and international nonprofits including: the Center for Employment Opportunities which provides people returning from prison immediate paid employment, skills training, and ongoing career support and Shared Interest which mobilizes resources for community development projects in Southern Africa.
Koren holds a BA in Physics from Vassar College, a BS in Economics, Forensic Financial Analysis from John Jay College, and a certificate in nonprofit leadership from Columbia University. Ms. Gaines is a CPA and a Certified Fraud Examiner.
