Karen Wood is a distinguished healthcare executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). She is widely recognized for advancing high-quality, accessible care and strengthening community health systems through strategic, patient-centered leadership.

As Chief Executive Officer of MyCare Health Center since 2017, Ms. Wood has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care and improving population health outcomes. Under her leadership, the health center has maintained a strong focus on operational excellence, financial stewardship, and innovative, outcomes-driven care models that prioritize patient access and quality.

Ms. Wood brings a deep and comprehensive background in maternal and child health, clinical nutrition, and community-based care. She began her career as a Registered Dietitian, establishing a strong foundation in population health. Throughout her career, she has designed and implemented programs that support women, infants, children, and underserved populations. Her clinical expertise continues to inform her leadership approach, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and whole-person care.

A recognized innovator in addressing the opioid epidemic, Ms. Wood played a pivotal role in launching MyCare’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program in 2016. This initiative expanded access to evidence-based addiction treatment services and reflects her commitment to integrating behavioral health with primary care to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

A respected voice in healthcare leadership, Ms. Wood is actively engaged in regional and statewide initiatives. She currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Michigan Primary Care Association Board of Directors, Secretary of the Southeastern Michigan Health Association Board, and Executive Secretary of Face Addiction Now. In these roles, she contributes to advancing prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, while also participating in policy, workforce development, and oral health initiatives.

Ms. Wood’s contributions have been widely recognized. She is the recipient of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council’s 2021 Eagle Award for Visionary Leadership and has been honored as a Top Performer for Quality Measures by the Michigan Primary Care Association.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Michigan State University and has completed executive leadership programs through the National Association of Community Health Centers and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Ms. Wood is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Management at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, with an expected graduation of December 2026.