Kristina Brown serves as the Innovation Initiatives Director on the Strategic Initiatives team. She oversees the Innovation Voucher Program and the Network Matching Grants program and supports the Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC). She plays an integral role in managing and supporting the State’s economic development investments for research and development and strategy in key innovation sectors. Kristina works with leaders across Rhode Island’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology leaders to identify opportunities to advance innovation.
Professional Background
Kristina is an experienced community development professional that has worked across public, nonprofit, and higher ed sectors. She is a strategic systems thinker and adaptive leader that has experience in organizational management, stakeholder engagement, government relations, grants management, policy and program development. Most recently she served as Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff for the Providence City Council, overseeing all aspects of operations and advising on wide-ranging policies including zoning, land use, energy efficiency, and tax policy. She served as a lobbyist and grants officer for United Way of RI advancing the organization’s housing and economic opportunity portfolio. Prior to that she worked as a policy analyst and research lead at HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University managing grant funded research from IRB approval through publication.
Education
Kristina holds a Masters in Community Development with a graduate certificate in Urban and Regional Planning from Roger Williams University, School of Architecture and Historic Preservation, as well as a BA in Literature and BFA in Studio Art from the University of Connecticut. Kristina received a Hassenfeld RI Public Service fellowship to complete the Senior Executives in State and Local Government certificate program at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2024.