Karen Hanlon Takes the Helm as President of Highmark Health: What This Means for the Future

Name: Karen Hanlon

Previous title: Chief Operating Officer, Highmark Health

New title: President and Chief Operating Officer, Highmark Health

Karen Hanlon has stepped into the role of president at Highmark Health, effective immediately. This announcement came from the Pittsburgh-based organization on Wednesday. In her new role, she will report to David Holmberg, the company’s CEO and board chairman.

Hanlon also keeps her title as COO, a position she’s held since 2018. She will manage operations for Highmark Inc., the health technology division enGen, and the Allegheny Health Network. This includes overseeing an insurance service that caters to 7.1 million members across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, alongside a comprehensive health network featuring 14 hospitals.

Having joined Highmark in 1997, Hanlon has accrued a wealth of experience, having worked in various leadership positions, including chief financial officer. Her in-depth knowledge of the company’s model is valuable, especially regarding the Living Health strategy, which aims to boost member health while managing costs. This proactive approach is critical as the company faces challenges from unexpectedly high service use this year.

Recent data shows that many insurers, including Highmark Health, have encountered higher utilization rates than anticipated, which has affected their operating income. Despite this, Highmark reported improved performance in early 2025 compared to the previous year. However, the CEO acknowledged on LinkedIn that ongoing high utilization poses persistent challenges and increases the need for effective cost-control strategies like Living Health.

This trend isn’t just a Highmark issue. In the wider healthcare landscape, many organizations are adjusting their strategies amid rising costs and usage rates. Experts suggest that focusing on preventative care can help mitigate these challenges and improve overall health outcomes.

With Hanlon at the helm, Highmark Health is poised to navigate these complexities. Her leadership could steer the company through not only current challenges but also future opportunities, ensuring quality care for its members.

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