We believe that great healthcare starts with great governance.
We are consultants who know a whole lot about healthcare strategy and governance.
For over 20 years, we’ve worked alongside healthcare leaders nationwide to shape strategy and optimize governance to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and outcome.
Our clients are not-for-profit hospitals, health networks, multi-hospital systems, academic medical centers, medical groups and other provider-side organizations.
Our relationships often span many years, with Kara serving as a trusted strategic advisor to the Chief Executive and governing board, much like a virtual member of the executive team.
We help clients improve their governance.
We do this by:
- Assessing performance
- Diagnosing challenges and opportunities
- Offering recommendations
- Optimizing structures and processes
- Facilitating retreats and discussion
- Managing change
- Presenting and sharing knowledge
- Sustaining momentum with ongoing support
Our experience is built over many years in the field.
Providing consulting services like:
Long-range strategic planning to assist clients in making choices and action plans regarding their future.
Corporate reorganization that help reconfigure, align and integrate elements of the healthcare system.
Regional planning and implementation for programs like trauma, women’s and children’s, and others.
Community health needs studies to align strategy and investment with the needs of the community.
About Kara
National Healthcare Consultant | Strategic Advisor | Facilitator
I’m a healthcare consultant with over 20 years of experience helping provider-side organizations deliver need-based, sustainable healthcare to the communities they serve. For me, it’s all about providing the right care, in the right way, for the long haul, with the community’s well-being at the core.
I believe that great healthcare begins with great governance. I see governance as the conscience of an organization—responsible for stewarding a vital community resource with trust, integrity and purpose. When a board is well-functioning, aligned and engaged, it shapes everything that follows – clearer direction, smarter planning and resource use, stronger oversight, and ultimately, healthier people and thriving communities.
I speak on healthcare governance, strategy and futurism, and have contributed to publications like AHA Trustee Insights. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado and a master’s in healthcare administration from Trinity University, along with advanced training in leadership and change management from Boston College.
I’m a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and beloved dog owner. Outside of work, you’ll find me at the campsite, in the pool, on the trail, in the garden, or behind a drum kit.
Recent Notable Projects
Governance Optimization: Redesigned the governance structure of a three-hospital system in New York newly affiliated with a large health system, strengthening local accountability and responsiveness to community health needs.
Provider Integration: Developed a governance framework for a multi-state system with 9,000 providers, enhancing alignment and strategic engagement.
Regional Planning: Currently leading the first strategic plan for a five-hospital network along the California-Nevada border. Past work includes guiding two Level III trauma centers to designation and optimizing trauma transfers for a Level II center in California.
Strategic Planning: Facilitated planning efforts for UCSF Health’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and USC Keck School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry.
Thought Leadership: Led a strategic retreat with the Hospital Association of Oregon, helping shape a long-term vision for healthcare delivery statewide.
A healthcare governance company
WitalisLLC 