Karen Allen, RN

President Butler & Clarion Hospitals

Karen Allen, BS, RN, offers more than 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Allen began her career as a bedside nurse and later as a staff nurse in the operating room. She joined Independence Health System (formerly Butler Health System) from UPMC Shadyside in 2004. Over the past decade at Butler, Allen has served in various roles, including director of surgical services, assistant vice president of patient care services, vice president of critical care/ancillary services, chief nursing officer and chief experience officer, before taking on the role of president of Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospitals.

Allen has published articles in AORN, Surgical Services Management and Today’s OR. She is a seasoned clinical executive with strong leadership skills and is committed to assuring quality healthcare remains in the communities that Independence Health System serves. Allen resides in Mars with her husband, Barry. They are the parents of a son and a daughter and have three beautiful grandchildren.