Karen Brownlee Biography

State Representative Karen Brownlee, LISW-S, is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives representing House District 28, which includes Blue Ash, Deer Park, Evendale, Forest Park, Loveland, Montgomery, Pleasant Run Farms (Springfield Township), Sharonville, Springdale, Sycamore Township, and Symmes Township. 

Representative Brownlee brings a commonsense approach and data-based solutions to the issues Ohio citizens face. Her priorities include the health and safety of all Ohioans, the protection of democratic rights, supporting strong public education, and equitable economic growth.

In her first year as a representative, she introduced legislation to prohibit conversion therapy, codify the Affordable Care Act into the Ohio Revised Code, and establish a task force to study the impact of gun violence. Looking ahead, she aims to prioritize child welfare, property tax relief, and preserving democracy.

In addition to serving as Ranking Member of the House Development Committee, she sits on the House Health, Community Revitalization, and Children & Human Services Committees. Additionally, she is a member of the Ohio House Women’s Caucus and Ohio Jewish Caucus.

Prior to joining the legislature, she was a clinical social worker and trainer within the community mental health field in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work focused on improving mental health outcomes for children, adolescents, and families. She is a passionate advocate for children and adolescents and worked with mental health providers, parents, educators, and law enforcement to support safer interactions with young people. 

Representative Brownlee holds a Master of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. She lives in Symmes Township and is the proud parent of three young adults with her husband, John.