Speaker

Karen Maguire is a Senior Counsellor in the OECD’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, supporting strategic direction for the 200+ team. The Centre helps local and national governments unleash the potential of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, promote inclusive and sustainable regions and cities, boost local job creation and implement sound tourism policies. She has spent over 20 years at the OECD working in a range of positions, including, managing the OECD's Local Employment and Economic Development (LEED) Programme, as well as working with the Regional Development Policy Committee, focusing on regional innovation and economic development. Prior to joining the OECD, Ms. Maguire worked as a public finance banker for UBS in New York, an international consultant in economic development and a research analyst for the Urban Institute in Washington, DC. She holds a BA in economics and sociology from the University of Chicago and an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School.