{"id":15412,"date":"2025-10-09T10:45:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T10:45:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/?p=15412"},"modified":"2025-10-09T10:45:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T10:45:55","slug":"highmark-health-names","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/","title":{"rendered":"Highmark Health Names Karen Hanlon President"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Executive_Leadership_Change_at_Highmark_Health\" >Executive Leadership Change at Highmark Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Karen_Hanlons_Career_Journey\" >Karen Hanlon&#8217;s Career Journey<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#From_CFO_to_COO_to_President\" >From CFO to COO to President<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Expanded_Responsibilities_and_Strategic_Focus\" >Expanded Responsibilities and Strategic Focus<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Highmark_Inc\" >Highmark Inc.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Allegheny_Health_Network\" >Allegheny Health Network<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#enGen\" >enGen<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Impressive_Revenue_Growth_Under_Leadership\" >Impressive Revenue Growth Under Leadership<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Living_Health_Strategy_and_Future_Vision\" >Living Health Strategy and Future Vision<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Improving_Health_Outcomes\" >Improving Health Outcomes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Reducing_Healthcare_Costs\" >Reducing Healthcare Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Enhancing_Member_Experience\" >Enhancing Member Experience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#Industry_Recognition_and_Leadership_Impact\" >Industry Recognition and Leadership Impact<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/#What_This_Means_for_Highmarks_Future\" >What This Means for Highmark&#8217;s Future<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Executive_Leadership_Change_at_Highmark_Health\"><\/span>Executive Leadership Change at Highmark Health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Pittsburgh-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.highmarkhealth.org\/hmk\/newsroom\/pr\/2025\/10-08-2025-Highmark-Health-Appoints-Karen-Hanlon-President.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Highmark Health<\/strong><\/a> has announced a significant leadership transition, naming <strong>Karen Hanlon as president<\/strong>, effective immediately. This strategic appointment marks a pivotal moment for one of the nation&#8217;s largest integrated healthcare delivery and financing systems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">In this new role, Hanlon will maintain her current position as <strong>chief operating officer (COO)<\/strong>, creating a dual leadership structure that leverages her extensive operational expertise. Meanwhile, <strong>CEO David Holmberg<\/strong> will continue serving as chief executive officer and board chairman, ensuring continuity in the organization&#8217;s strategic direction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The announcement reflects Highmark Health&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Karen_Hanlons_Career_Journey\"><\/span>Karen Hanlon&#8217;s Career Journey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Karen Hanlon&#8217;s appointment represents the culmination of a remarkable <strong>28-year career<\/strong> 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&#8217;s operations, culture, and strategic objectives.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_CFO_to_COO_to_President\"><\/span>From CFO to COO to President<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Hanlon&#8217;s career trajectory demonstrates consistent excellence and increasing responsibility:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>1997<\/strong>: Joined Highmark Health<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>2014<\/strong>: Promoted to <strong>Chief Financial Officer (CFO)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>2018<\/strong>: Elevated to <strong>Chief Operating Officer (COO)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>2025<\/strong>: Appointed <strong>President<\/strong> while retaining COO duties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expanded_Responsibilities_and_Strategic_Focus\"><\/span>Expanded Responsibilities and Strategic Focus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">In her expanded role as president and COO, <strong>Hanlon will continue overseeing the comprehensive operations<\/strong> of three major entities:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highmark_Inc\"><\/span><strong>Highmark Inc.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The health insurance division serving millions of members across multiple states with various health plan offerings.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Allegheny_Health_Network\"><\/span><strong>Allegheny Health Network<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">An integrated delivery network comprising hospitals, physician practices, and post-acute care facilities serving communities throughout Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"enGen\"><\/span><strong>enGen<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Highmark&#8217;s innovation and technology subsidiary focused on developing next-generation healthcare solutions and digital health platforms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This broad operational scope requires exceptional strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to balance competing priorities across diverse business units. Hanlon&#8217;s proven track record in these areas made her the natural choice for this elevated position.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impressive_Revenue_Growth_Under_Leadership\"><\/span>Impressive Revenue Growth Under Leadership<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The numbers tell a compelling story of success. During Hanlon&#8217;s tenure as <strong>CFO and COO, Highmark Health has experienced remarkable financial growth<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>2014 Revenue<\/strong>: $17 billion<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>2025 Estimated Revenue<\/strong>: $33 billion<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Growth Rate<\/strong>: Nearly 94% increase over 11 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This <strong>$16 billion revenue expansion<\/strong> demonstrates not just top-line growth, but successful execution of strategic initiatives, market expansion, and operational efficiency improvements. Under Hanlon&#8217;s financial and operational leadership, the organization has navigated significant industry disruptions while maintaining sustainable growth trajectories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Living_Health_Strategy_and_Future_Vision\"><\/span>Living Health Strategy and Future Vision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">A cornerstone of Hanlon&#8217;s leadership has been spearheading Highmark&#8217;s <strong>Living Health strategy<\/strong>, an innovative approach to transforming healthcare delivery and financing. This strategic framework focuses on:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improving_Health_Outcomes\"><\/span><strong>Improving Health Outcomes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Moving beyond traditional sick-care models to proactive health management and prevention.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reducing_Healthcare_Costs\"><\/span><strong>Reducing Healthcare Costs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Implementing value-based care models that align incentives and eliminate waste while improving quality.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhancing_Member_Experience\"><\/span><strong>Enhancing Member Experience<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Creating seamless, consumer-centric healthcare experiences that meet people where they are.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">According to the company, this Living Health strategy will become <strong>increasingly critical<\/strong> as the healthcare industry continues evolving toward value-based payment models, personalized medicine, and technology-enabled care delivery. Hanlon&#8217;s continued leadership of this initiative ensures strategic continuity during her transition to president.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Industry_Recognition_and_Leadership_Impact\"><\/span>Industry Recognition and Leadership Impact<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>CEO David Holmberg<\/strong> praised Hanlon&#8217;s appointment, emphasizing her qualifications and strategic vision:<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">&#8220;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Holmberg further noted the timing of this leadership evolution: &#8220;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&#8217;s leadership journey at Highmark Health and to our continuing work together to meet that objective.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_This_Means_for_Highmarks_Future\"><\/span>What This Means for Highmark&#8217;s Future<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The appointment signals Highmark Health&#8217;s commitment to:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Operational excellence<\/strong> through proven leadership<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Strategic continuity<\/strong> during industry transformation<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Innovative care delivery<\/strong> models that improve outcomes<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Financial sustainability<\/strong> while managing rising healthcare costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">As the healthcare industry faces unprecedented challenges from workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and technological disruption, Hanlon&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong>: Karen Hanlon&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>Discover the latest\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/\"><strong>payers\u2019 news updates<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0with a single click. Follow\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/\">DistilINFO HealthPlan<\/a>\u00a0and stay ahead with updates. Join our community today!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Executive Leadership Change at Highmark Health Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health has announced a significant leadership transition, naming Karen Hanlon as president,&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/highmark-health-names\/\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Continue Reading <i class=\"fas fa-long-arrow-alt-right\" style=\"vertical-align: middle;\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[887,4165,4164,4163,4168,4170,4169,872,746,2136,797,1066,282,4167,4162,4166,4171,3557,4172,106],"class_list":{"0":"post-15412","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-distilinfo-originals","8":"tag-allegheny-health-network","9":"tag-cfo-to-president","10":"tag-coo-appointment","11":"tag-david-holmberg-ceo","12":"tag-engen","13":"tag-health-insurance-executive","14":"tag-healthcare-executive-promotion","15":"tag-healthcare-industry-challenges","16":"tag-healthcare-leadership","17":"tag-healthcare-operations","18":"tag-healthcare-revenue-growth","19":"tag-healthcare-transformation","20":"tag-highmark-health","21":"tag-integrated-healthcare-system","22":"tag-karen-hanlon-president","23":"tag-living-health-strategy","24":"tag-pennsylvania-healthcare","25":"tag-pittsburgh-healthcare","26":"tag-strategic-healthcare-leadership","27":"tag-value-based-care","28":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15412"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15412"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15414,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15412\/revisions\/15414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}