Carla Downie is a Government Relations and Social Impact professional with over 15 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors. With a deep understanding of policy landscapes and a passion for driving positive change, she has established herself as a leader in navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering impactful partnerships between government, community, and the private sector.
Throughout her career, Ms. Downie has been instrumental in bridging the gap between government entities and private enterprises, leveraging her keen insights to advocate for policies that promote social responsibility, community partnerships, and intentional resource sharing. Her extensive experience includes crafting strategic initiatives that address pressing societal issues along with raising cultural celebrations while aligning with organizational goals.
Ms. Downie started her career in the public sector, serving as a top political staffer and the Director of Communications for New York State Assemblywoman Michele Titus, a former Elected official of Southeast Queens and Far Rockaway. As the Director of Communications of this office, Ms. Downie was responsible for all creative communications inclusive of content strategy as well as the creation and management of the Assemblywoman’s cross-platform media comms strategy. During this time, Ms. Downie held key positions where she influenced policy decisions at a local level. Her ability to navigate bureaucratic processes and build consensus among diverse stakeholders has been instrumental in driving forward progressive agendas and fostering inclusive growth within the Southeast Queens community.
Transitioning seamlessly into the private sector working for a Sports and Entertainment Corporation, Ms. Downie has brought her unique blend of governmental acumen and social consciousness to corporate boardrooms, where she has championed initiatives that prioritize community engagement, corporate responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Her track record of success in cultivating impactful partnerships and driving meaningful change has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and thought leader in her field and at the Corporation. Ms. Downie has been instrumental in leading and crafting this corporation’s corporate social responsibility strategy with a focus on government reputation management. In this role, she was successful in crafting hundreds of local charitable events, managing Restoration projects worth millions of dollars for spaces like community centers, as well as legacy programs for hundreds of thousands of families. Ms. Downie was the key lead in the creation and publishing of the Corporation’s first ever Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which housed all the great works Ms. Downie led.
As a dynamic and results-oriented professional, Ms. Downie continues to be at the forefront of shaping policies and practices that have a lasting and positive impact on both business and society. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Ms. Downie exemplifies leadership in government affairs and social impact, driving meaningful change, building lasting partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Beyond this, Ms. Downie has a passion for volunteering, civic engagement and mentorship. Ms. Downie has volunteered with various non-profit organizations including Laurelton’s Operation Clean UP, The Food Bank of NY, RethinkFood, the River Fund, BUILD, and PENCIL. Ms. Downie also sits on the YP Steering Committee for The Association of a Better New York (ABNY) and the Corporate Council for the New York Urban League (NYUL).
Ms. Downie received her Bachelors of Arts from the SUNY University at Albany and her Masters of Arts from the New York University.