Karen Payne, MA, Office and Research Manager

Karen Payne became the Graham Center’s Office and Research Manager in August 2011. Ms. Payne has garnered 20 years of Federal government contract and health care administrative experience with a background in biomedical research. Her government contract experience included working as a contractor with various government agencies within DHHS. She developed social marketing campaigns for CSAT, FDA, NIHCC, NIDA and OMHRC. She served as project director for logistical support grant reviews contracts with CSAP, ARHQ, and the Office of Rural Health Policy. Prior to relocating to the Washington, D.C., area, Ms. Payne served as senior hospital administrator for 10 years in a variety of teaching hospital settings overseeing ambulatory services, surgery departments, and emergency trauma services, as well as developing, implementing, and marketing wellness programs to the local business community. She began her career as a laboratory research assistant in cytology and genetics research. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Karen earned her BA degree from Northwestern University and has two masters degrees, one in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Iowa and the second in Public Communications from American University. She spends her free time traveling, skiing, reading and volunteering.