Early Careerist
Karen Jenkins
Vice President, Adena Regional Medical Center
Karen has worked at Adena Health System for 17 years beginning her career as a speech-language pathologist. She worked as the Director of Rehab then the Director of Rehab and Radiology before taking her current role. Karen is a Fellow with the America College of Healthcare Executives. She was also a top 10 finalist in the 2015 Gallup’s Manager of the Year Award. You can become more proficient in your job and industry through your relationships with other professionals, with whom you can consult when you encounter a gap in your own knowledge.
HOW HAS BEING A MEMBER OF ACHE BEST PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND PAST POSITIONS IN HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP?
I find the education and resources of ACHE to be invaluable to my leadership development and career advancement. Both locally and nationally, ACHE offers a wide breadth of topics which develops my knowledge of current healthcare topics and prepares me for anticipated changes in the future. In addition networking opportunities through ACHE have helped me meet and form relationships with others in healthcare. This has opened up mentorship opportunities and developing relationships with others that I can consult when I have a gap in knowledge that they are more familiar with.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES YOU BELIEVE ARE CRITICAL TO SUCCESS AS A HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY LEADER?
Integrity
Consistency
Collaboration
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN UP AND COMING HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE?
"Network, Not Work” I was once taught that at an ACHE event in Houston. Professionals part of the health care industry thrive off their connections and relationships with others. One simple way to accomplish that is to simply join ACHE in your local community and get involved. I was taught early on in my professional career, “It’s not what you know or how much you know, it’s who you know!” this proves to be true time after time. So, stop thinking about it, and Join ACHE!