Karen ‘Kippy’ Taylor recognized for life-long work in helping others and her community
Woodstock’s Kippy Taylor was one of five people who were invested into the Order of New Brunswick by the chancellor of the order, Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy, at a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
“The 2024 recipients of the Order of New Brunswick have distinguished themselves as leaders in a variety of fields,” said Murphy. “These remarkable New Brunswickers have brought people together, broken down barriers and committed to building inclusive and equitable environments for all. Congratulations to these true role models who work tirelessly to improve their communities while inspiring New Brunswickers to give back in their own ways.”
Taylor was honoured for her lifelong dedication to addressing injustice, improving other people’s lives, and supporting initiatives that make her community, province and country better.
“It was wonderful,” Taylor told the River Valley Sun. “It was a lovely ceremony at Government House. I am truly honoured to be a member of the Order of New Brunswick, and share this recognition with the many wonderful people with whom I have volunteered and worked with over the years.”
When the provincial government announced the 2024 recipients earlier this year, the news release noted that Taylor is a lifelong learner with strong values and a deep love for New Brunswick.
She is the chair of Service New Brunswick and has chaired and been a member of numerous volunteer boards throughout her professional life.
While director of education at the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission from 1989 to 2001, her keen sense of leadership enabled her to play a significant role in developing public policy throughout the province, promoting inclusion and non-discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age.
She has also been a key advisor in the struggle for equality for First Nations women and men. In particular, she supported bringing Sandra Lovelace’s case before the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which led to Parliament repealing a discriminatory section of the Indian Act.
Taylor has been a member of the Faculty of Management Advisory Board at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) since 2007, where she has been a champion of fairness, equality and respect. While serving as a member and president of the Alumnae Executive Council of UNB, she was committed to encouraging young women through networking opportunities, supporting participation in leadership roles, identifying unmet needs of female students, and working towards meeting those needs. She has also undertaken innovative volunteer work, such as implementing a mock interview program for students.
During her time with the UNB board of governors from 2012 to 2016, she offered a woman’s perspective, good governance and an appreciation for passionate young minds.
When the New Brunswick Community College became a Crown corporation, Taylor served on its inaugural board of governors from 2010 to 2015.
When she retired, she returned to her hometown of Woodstock and established her own consulting practice, working with organizations such as NB Power and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. In addition to being the first woman president of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and a leader of the 2nd Woodstock Girl Guides unit, she continues to help local volunteer organizations improve their board governance and fundraising capacity, just as she once did with the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation.
In 2023, she co-authored a book, Celebrating the Legacy of Golf and Curling in Woodstock, New Brunswick: The First 70 Years, with the proceeds donated to the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club’s Legacy Fund. She is also president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton-York, the Kings Landing Foundation, and a member of the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery.
She has been recognized for her volunteer leadership expertise and community contributions with the Celebration of Women Millennium Project.
Others invested during the ceremony include:
• Kassim Doumbia, from Shippagan, for promoting the inclusion of immigrants, his volunteer activities, his dedication to economic growth and cultural and community vitality, and his efforts to increase community engagement among youth.
• Carmen Gibbs, from Grand-Bouctouche (district of Saint-Thomas de Kent), for her deep sense of commitment and exceptional accomplishments, her collaborative spirit, and her profound desire to equip community organizations across New Brunswick to work toward building a more open, vibrant and just society.
• John Leroux, from Fredericton, for his outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to the future of the province’s architecture and the protection of historic buildings, as well as for his passion for building an improved quality of life for generations to come.
• Robert K. Irving, from Moncton, for his extensive community involvement, generosity, and exceptional altruism toward advancing his community and province.
Members of this 23rd group who receive the honour are now entitled to use the initials O.N.B. after their names.
