Karen S. Hill, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN

Dr. Karen S. Hill is the chief operating officer and chief nursing officer of Baptist Health Lexington in Kentucky. In her more than 25 years of experience in hospital administration, she has led successful Magnet designation and re-designation efforts, developed shared governance structures, and chaired an operations and efficiency council.

She is editor-in-chief of The Journal of Nursing Administration, and has served as interim editor-in-chief of Nurse Educator. She is a frequent presenter and is well-published on nursing topics including leadership, workforce development, and recruiting and retention.

She has been recognized as one of the “50 Most Influential Graduates” of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing in 50 years. She is also the recipient of the HcPRO National Image of Nursing Award and the Cure, Care, Commitment R. Stewart Perry Award from the American Diabetes Association.

She earned an ADN at the Lexington Technical Institute and a BSN, MSN, and DNP at the University of Kentucky. Her direct patient-care experience early in her career includes working as a staff nurse in surgical services.