Karin Brownlee (July 25, 1955) was the Kansas Secretary of Labor between 2011 and 2012, serving in the administration of Governor Sam Brownback.
In early January 2011 Brownlee took office as Secretary in the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL).
[5] In August 2011 Brownlee terminated the employment of asthma sufferer Kathleen Arbogast who filed suit against KDOL in January 2013 claiming discrimination and retaliation and seeking $100.000 in damages.
Arbogast had complained about staff wearing perfume and other fragrances interfered with her ability to perform her duties.
She was moved to the basement to remove her from such contact but claimed that the fragrances worn by other workers visiting her continued her asthma problems.