Karen Morrison, the president of the OhioHealth Foundation and a senior vice president at OhioHealth, has been recognized by Columbus CEO magazine as one of its 2025 Inspiring Women. With over three decades of experience in community health across central Ohio, Morrison has been a significant figure in expanding healthcare possibilities in the region.
Morrison’s interest in health began at an early age, influenced by her father, an OB-GYN, and her mother, a medical researcher. "I always saw myself behind the scenes, figuring out how to create a big impact in the community,” she said. Her realization of the connection between her interests and public health solidified during her early years.
Her career commenced as a hospital volunteer during high school, continuing into her university education at Vanderbilt University, where she earned a biology degree. Morrison later returned to Columbus for further studies in preventive medicine at Ohio State University and began her professional journey as an epidemiologist at Riverside Methodist Hospital in 1988.
Morrison's contributions soon led her to broader roles in government and community relations, supplemented by a law degree from Capital University. Currently, she directs OhioHealth’s external affairs strategy, emphasizing expanding healthcare access, promoting health equity, and improving community health.
A major focus for Morrison is reducing infant mortality through OhioHealth’s Wellness on Wheels program, which sends mobile units to provide prenatal and postpartum care in underserved areas. Other initiatives address chronic disease prevention by offering resources for weight management, nutrition, exercise, and diabetes screenings.
"I’m very fortunate to be here at OhioHealth... developing programs to impact and improve health and decrease health disparities,” Morrison noted. She also aims to inspire younger women to pursue personal development and healthy living.
Donna James, secretary of the OhioHealth board, remarked on Morrison’s leadership: “She builds connections with government, businesses, community groups and individuals for the greater good.”
Beyond her role at OhioHealth, Morrison is active in various community organizations and holds positions on several boards, including Park National Corp., Greif Inc., Palmer-Donavin, and the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. She is also a founding director of Adelphi Bank and a member of professional organizations such as the Executive Leadership Council and Women Corporate Directors.