Karen Blanchette Executive Director
Karen brings over 30 years of leadership experience to her role as the Executive Director of PAHCOM, with expertise spanning healthcare management, information technology, and process improvement. Her career began in the U.S. Navy, where she served as a hospital administrator, gaining invaluable experience in medical operations, cybersecurity, and executive management.
As a Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps, Karen served as the senior administrator of a 65-bed hospital aboard the USS John C. Stennis, overseeing critical healthcare operations. She made history as the first female healthcare administrator assigned to an aircraft carrier and played a key role in the ship’s occupational health nuclear radiation program.
Her early adoption of technology propelled her into leadership roles, including serving as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Naval Dental Command Headquarters. She later transitioned into the private sector, excelling in software sales and management at Computer Associates. In 2005, she embraced the emerging world of digital media and was recruited by Adam Curry to the PodShow Network, where she hosted and produced two award-winning podcasts.
Karen’s career continued to evolve in high-impact roles, including leading software development teams at CIBC, one of Canada’s largest banks, and managing medical logistics for multimillion-dollar client accounts at UPS Supply Chain Solutions, supporting major pharmaceutical companies such as Amgen and Johnson & Johnson. She remains a recognized voice in healthcare cybersecurity, serving on multiple Health and Human Services (HHS) Task Groups and as an Ambassador for HHS 405(d), advocating for stronger security practices in the healthcare industry.
With a Bachelor of Science in Management and an MBA from the University of West Florida, Karen combines business acumen with technical expertise to drive efficiency and transparency in healthcare operations. Her professional affiliations have included HIMSS, ACHE, Six Sigma, the Project Management Institute, Leadership Pinellas, and, of course, PAHCOM.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen is an Alpha Delta Pi Alumni, world record skydiver, and enjoys riding her motorcycle or racing small sailboats in her free time.
Learn about our work to strengthen the American Healthcare workforce through academic relationships, industry education and training, and professional certification focused on medical practice management.
PAHCOM stands alongside physician practice owners, championing The American Dream by supporting independent practices and the communities they serve. We provide access to essential resources that not only help protect patients from illness but also safeguard their sensitive health information from evolving cyber-threats.
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