Karen Hanlon Appointed CEO and President of Highmark Health
Highmark Health has appointed Karen Hanlon as its new chief executive officer and president, making her the first woman to hold the top leadership role in the organization's history. The appointment is effective January 1.
Harrisburg Lancaster Lebanon York, PA, October 7, 2026 — Highmark Health announced Tuesday that Karen Hanlon has been appointed as the organization’s new chief executive officer and president. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the company, as Hanlon is the first woman to assume the top leadership position in Highmark Health’s history.
Hanlon’s appointment is slated to take effect on January 1.
Highmark Health is a major healthcare company. The specifics of the leadership transition, including the predecessor or the exact circumstances leading to this appointment, were not detailed in the announcement. The company has not provided further information regarding Hanlon’s prior roles within the organization or her specific qualifications for the CEO and President positions beyond her appointment itself.
The organization’s decision to name Hanlon to these critical roles underscores a notable shift in its executive leadership. Her tenure will begin at the start of the new year, positioning her to guide the company’s strategic direction and operations moving forward.
Further details regarding the scope of her responsibilities and the immediate priorities for Highmark Health under her leadership are anticipated as the effective date approaches.
Story summarized from the original created by Ed Gruver on www.cpbj.com, see more information here.
