The Freedom Network USA Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the promotion of Karen Romero to Co-Executive Director of the FNUSA. She will serve in partnership with Jean Bruggeman, who has served as Executive Director for the past 10 years.
For the past several years, FNUSA has been engaged in an intentional, thoughtful and comprehensive process to become an anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization, a journey we remain deeply committed to advancing. Over the past year, the Board has partnered with Jean and Karen to thoughtfully examine and envision a leadership structure of FNUSA that supports this vision. This leadership transition to a co-executive director model reflects that journey, ensuring our structure embodies collaboration, shared power, and equity. The Board is excited to have Karen Romero at the helm alongside Jean, as of October 1, 2025.
Karen has been at FNUSA since 2018 and most recently served as the Senior Director of Training. She has built and led the Housing Training and Technical Assistance Project, the Standards of Care Project, and has developed the Freedom Network Training Institute.
“I’m thrilled to benefit from Karen’s wisdom and leadership at this critical time in FNUSA’s history. After 10 years as a solo leader, I am thrilled to work in partnership to provide a more holistic approach to building a more equitable organization and anti-trafficking movement.”- Jean Bruggeman
“I am honored to step into this new phase of FNUSA, where our commitment to equity is reflected in our actions. The co-leadership model embodies values I deeply believe in, such as power sharing, collaboration, and justice. I look forward to serving in this role alongside Jean.”- Karen Romero
At a time when human rights organizations and those serving marginalized and oppressed populations are under attack, expanding and strengthening the leadership of FNUSA is paramount. Join us in welcoming Karen into her new role.
Darci Flynn,
Board Chair, FNUSA
