Karen Johnson served at March of Dimes as Interim President and CEO until August 2023 and currently serves as an advisor for the organization. As Interim CEO, she led the organization in the fight for the health of all moms and babies, and was responsible for all aspects of March of Dimes’ strategy, vision, and operations.

With more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Karen is a change catalyst and innovative problem solver with a proven track record of driving organizational transformation. Recognized for her strategic and business acumen, her passion is leadership development and positively impacting and improving the health status of vulnerable populations.

Prior to retirement in 2022, Karen was previously the Medicare Officer for Health Net, a Centene Corporation (CNC) company and Fortune 20 enterprise, where she managed a $3.5B+ revenue-generating multiproduct business. She also served on the Enterprise Diversity and Inclusion Council and Corporate Health Equity Task Force.

Karen has held executive leadership roles for UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, WellCare, Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, and Lake Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Michigan in 1982 and a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State College of Law in 1986. She also holds an Executive Certificate from the Wharton School of Business.

Karen currently serves as a corporate director, Nominating/Governance Chair, and Compliance Committee member on the board of The Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation (TOI). She also serves on the boards of Clever Care Health Plan and Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation, and is a National Trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Karen works with private equity firms and is currently an adviser to several early and mid-stage startup healthcare tech companies.