Championing social change from behind the scenes, Kari Moe ’74 has played a significant leadership role with four historic leaders in progressive politics: Mayor Harold Washington of Chicago, Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota, Representative Keith Ellison (MN 05), and Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (IL 04). As a nominator writes, “her fingerprints are all over many important progressive laws and her counsel guided some of our most important leaders.”
After graduating from Carleton, Moe worked as a counselor and teacher with youth in Chicago. In the 1980s, she helped Congressman Harold Washington become mayor of Chicago and served in leadership roles for the city, including as deputy mayor. Later, she reunited with her Carleton professor Paul Wellstone as his senate chief of staff and senior policy advisor. She was known as a powerful advocate for racial and economic justice who helped pass legislation on issues including mental health parity, expanded nationwide home heating assistance, and combating domestic violence. In 2006, she became Congressman Keith Ellison’s chief of staff. Kari was an “integral part of everything we were able to achieve,” writes Ellison—currently the Minnesota attorney general—in his letter of support for Moe. Following her tenure with Ellison, Moe assumed her third chief of staff position for Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García of Chicago, who has been a longtime champion for labor rights and immigration reform.
Moe holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD in public administration from George Washington University. She is a mentor to many individuals who are making important contributions in their fields. She is a fellow at the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, where she has taught local and federal public leaders, and she works with the Congressional Management Foundation. She currently has a coaching practice and is part of Democracy Partners. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Robert. They have three children, Emma, Lian, and Jack.