Professor Karen M. Czarnecki ’88 teaches the Public Policy and International Affairs Internships Seminar for TFAS U.S. Programs in Washington, D.C.
Czarnecki is a 25-year veteran of Washington politics and public policy. Prior to her current role as executive director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, she served as vice president of outreach for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where she was responsible for all government relations and external affairs activity on the organization’s priority research issues. Karen also served as the as the director of education at the Law & Economics Center (LEC) at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
Prior to the LEC, Czarnecki worked as chief-of-staff to Rep. Mike Kelly and as a senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. She joined the Labor Department in June of 2001, and in June 2003 she was appointed director of the Office of the 21st Century Workforce. In addition, she served as deputy assistant secretary of labor for intergovernmental affairs, giving her responsibility for outreach to state and locally-elected officials. Czarnecki received her bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctorate degrees from Catholic University of America and is also an alumna of the TFAS ICPES program.
TFAS convinced me that a career in public policy and politics could be rewarding, challenging, demanding and interesting all at the same time. The caliber and intellect of those who attend the programs are exceptional.” – Professor Karen M. Czarnecki