Executive Director

Karen Corkery joined the Industrial Technologies Office in April 2011 as Executive Director. She is responsible for the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative and existing projects supported under Technology Partnerships Canada and the Program for Strategic Industrial Projects.

Karen previously occupied the positions of Director General of the Policy Branch and of the Program Coordination Branch at Industry Canada. She has considerable experience providing advice to Ministers on science and technology matters, supporting the design and delivery of research and development (R&D) programs by the Granting Councils, and managing the government’s contractual relationship with organizations that deliver R&D programs on its behalf.

Karen played a lead role in developing the government’s 2007 Science and Technology Strategy and in supporting the government’s efforts over successive budgets to implement the commitments of the Strategy.

After receiving her Bachelor of Commerce in 1985, Karen joined the Department of Finance where she worked on energy, environment and tax policies until her arrival at Industry Canada in 1993.