KAREN J. CARLINI is the Executive Director of Dynamic Youth Community, Inc. (DYC), a New York State certified and funded substance use disorder treatment program serving adolescents and young adults. Founded in 1970, DYC has been a cornerstone in the field, and Ms. Carlini, a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-2), has been part of the organization since 1972.

In her role as Executive Director, Ms. Carlini oversees agency programming and is responsible for fiscal and clinical policy development, external relations, and the overall operation and strategic direction of the organization. 

Ms. Carlini is actively engaged in the broader behavioral health field through her involvement with several professional organizations and state-level policy initiatives. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Therapeutic Communities Association of New York (TCA) and the Coalition for Community Services, and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for InUnity Alliance. She also serves as Co-Chair of Public Policy for the national organization Treatment Communities of America and is a member of the New York State OASAS (Office of Addiction Services and Supports) Regulatory Reform and Workforce Committees.

Ms. Carlini holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from SUNY Empire StateCollege and is expected to graduate from Pace University in May 2026 with a Master of Public Administration (MPA).