Executive Leadership Change at Highmark Health
Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health has announced a significant leadership transition, naming Karen Hanlon as president, effective immediately. This strategic appointment marks a pivotal moment for one of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare delivery and financing systems.
In this new role, Hanlon will maintain her current position as chief operating officer (COO), creating a dual leadership structure that leverages her extensive operational expertise. Meanwhile, CEO David Holmberg will continue serving as chief executive officer and board chairman, ensuring continuity in the organization’s strategic direction.
The announcement reflects Highmark Health’s commitment to strengthening its executive leadership team during a transformative period in the healthcare industry. With mounting pressures from rising costs, regulatory changes, and evolving patient expectations, the organization is positioning itself for sustained growth and innovation.
Karen Hanlon’s Career Journey
Karen Hanlon’s appointment represents the culmination of a remarkable 28-year career with Highmark Health, beginning when she first joined the company in 1997. Her extensive tenure has provided her with unparalleled institutional knowledge and deep understanding of the organization’s operations, culture, and strategic objectives.
From CFO to COO to President
Hanlon’s career trajectory demonstrates consistent excellence and increasing responsibility:
- 1997: Joined Highmark Health
- 2014: Promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- 2018: Elevated to Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- 2025: Appointed President while retaining COO duties
This progression showcases her versatility across financial management, operational oversight, and now executive leadership. Her diverse experience across multiple functional areas positions her uniquely to understand the interconnected challenges facing integrated healthcare delivery systems.
Expanded Responsibilities and Strategic Focus
In her expanded role as president and COO, Hanlon will continue overseeing the comprehensive operations of three major entities:
Highmark Inc.
The health insurance division serving millions of members across multiple states with various health plan offerings.
Allegheny Health Network
An integrated delivery network comprising hospitals, physician practices, and post-acute care facilities serving communities throughout Pennsylvania.
enGen
Highmark’s innovation and technology subsidiary focused on developing next-generation healthcare solutions and digital health platforms.
This broad operational scope requires exceptional strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to balance competing priorities across diverse business units. Hanlon’s proven track record in these areas made her the natural choice for this elevated position.
Impressive Revenue Growth Under Leadership
The numbers tell a compelling story of success. During Hanlon’s tenure as CFO and COO, Highmark Health has experienced remarkable financial growth:
- 2014 Revenue: $17 billion
- 2025 Estimated Revenue: $33 billion
- Growth Rate: Nearly 94% increase over 11 years
This $16 billion revenue expansion demonstrates not just top-line growth, but successful execution of strategic initiatives, market expansion, and operational efficiency improvements. Under Hanlon’s financial and operational leadership, the organization has navigated significant industry disruptions while maintaining sustainable growth trajectories.
The revenue growth also reflects successful integration of acquisitions, expansion into new markets, and the development of innovative care delivery models that resonate with consumers and employer groups alike.
Living Health Strategy and Future Vision
A cornerstone of Hanlon’s leadership has been spearheading Highmark’s Living Health strategy, an innovative approach to transforming healthcare delivery and financing. This strategic framework focuses on:
Improving Health Outcomes
Moving beyond traditional sick-care models to proactive health management and prevention.
Reducing Healthcare Costs
Implementing value-based care models that align incentives and eliminate waste while improving quality.
Enhancing Member Experience
Creating seamless, consumer-centric healthcare experiences that meet people where they are.
According to the company, this Living Health strategy will become increasingly critical as the healthcare industry continues evolving toward value-based payment models, personalized medicine, and technology-enabled care delivery. Hanlon’s continued leadership of this initiative ensures strategic continuity during her transition to president.
Under her guidance, several key strategic integrations and partnerships have come to fruition within the Living Health framework, positioning Highmark for long-term competitive advantage in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Industry Recognition and Leadership Impact
CEO David Holmberg praised Hanlon’s appointment, emphasizing her qualifications and strategic vision:
“Karen is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of both our organization and the health care industry. Through her previous roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer, she has demonstrated strong, astute oversight of our operations, as well as a strategic mindset and vision that has been essential to our growth and success.”
Holmberg further noted the timing of this leadership evolution: “As our industry continues to weather many challenges and we remain focused on delivering the best health experiences for those we serve, I look forward to this next step in Karen’s leadership journey at Highmark Health and to our continuing work together to meet that objective.”
What This Means for Highmark’s Future
The appointment signals Highmark Health’s commitment to:
- Operational excellence through proven leadership
- Strategic continuity during industry transformation
- Innovative care delivery models that improve outcomes
- Financial sustainability while managing rising healthcare costs
As the healthcare industry faces unprecedented challenges from workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and technological disruption, Hanlon’s deep experience and proven track record position Highmark Health to navigate these challenges while continuing to serve its mission of improving community health and well-being.
Conclusion: Karen Hanlon’s elevation to president represents both recognition of past achievements and confidence in future leadership. Her unique combination of financial acumen, operational expertise, and strategic vision makes her ideally suited to guide Highmark Health through the next chapter of growth and transformation in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.
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