Independence Health System Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Independence Health System has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, clinical strategy, marketing communications, medical direction, operations, and organizational leadership.

Committed to patient-centered excellence, Independence Health System delivers high-quality medical services across diverse specialties to improve community health outcomes through coordinated care.

Leadership Roles at Independence Health System

  • President - Karen Allen
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Janice Devine LEFT ORG
  • Chief Medical Officer - Michael Fiorina
  • Interim Chief Operations Officer - M.D. Reefer
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Thomas Chakurda
  • Executive Medical Director - David Richards
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Kelley Skoloda
  • Karen Allen - President

    Karen Allen, the President at Independence Health System, provides executive leadership and sets the strategic direction for the entire organization. Overseeing the integration of all clinical and administrative functions, the President ensures that the system meets the diverse needs of the communities it serves. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team toward achieving long-term growth and maintaining high standards of medical care. By fostering a culture of patient-centered excellence, Karen Allen directly impacts the overall success of the healthcare network. Furthermore, the President represents the organization in regional health initiatives and collaborates with the board to ensure financial and operational sustainability. Through decisive leadership, Allen drives the mission of delivering high-quality services across all specialties. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the system by aligning all departments with the core values of the organization.
    Karen Allen

    Janice Devine LEFT ORG - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Janice Devine LEFT ORG, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Independence Health System, directs the digital infrastructure supporting comprehensive medical services. Overseeing enterprise-wide data security and health information systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of electronic records across all clinical departments. This leadership role involves architecting scalable technology solutions that facilitate efficient patient care delivery throughout the regional network. By modernizing digital platforms, Janice Devine LEFT ORG directly impacts the reliability of emergency and surgical services. Furthermore, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer collaborates with clinical leadership to implement advanced diagnostic tools. Through rigorous oversight of information technology assets, Devine maintains the integrity of patient data while supporting the broader mission of delivering high-quality care across the entire healthcare system.

    Michael Fiorina - Chief Medical Officer

    Michael Fiorina, the Chief Medical Officer at Independence Health System, governs clinical standards and medical quality across all specialties. Overseeing the performance of cardiology, orthopedics, and palliative care units, the Chief Medical Officer ensures adherence to evidence-based protocols. This leadership role involves aligning medical staff objectives with the organizational goal of providing patient-centered care. By optimizing clinical workflows, Michael Fiorina directly impacts the efficacy of surgical and behavioral health services. Furthermore, the Chief Medical Officer coordinates with primary care networks to standardize treatment pathways throughout the regional footprint. Through continuous monitoring of medical outcomes, Fiorina drives improvements in patient safety and service quality. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer secures the clinical reputation of the system by fostering a culture of excellence among the medical staff.
    Michael Fiorina

    M.D. Reefer - Interim Chief Operations Officer

    M.D. Reefer, the Interim Chief Operations Officer at Independence Health System, directs the logistical and administrative functions of the healthcare network. Overseeing facility management and supply chain efficiency, the Interim Chief Operations Officer ensures that clinical departments possess the necessary resources for daily operations. This leadership role involves streamlining processes to reduce overhead while maintaining high-quality care standards. By optimizing operational workflows, M.D. Reefer directly impacts the financial stability and service capacity of the organization. Furthermore, the Interim Chief Operations Officer collaborates with the executive team to implement long-term infrastructure improvements. Through rigorous oversight of operational metrics, Reefer identifies opportunities for increased efficiency across all medical specialties. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Operations Officer supports the system's mission by ensuring that all administrative and logistical components function in harmony with clinical requirements.

    Thomas Chakurda - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Thomas Chakurda, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Independence Health System, manages brand strategy and public engagement for the organization. Overseeing internal and external messaging, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures clear communication regarding the availability of specialized medical services. This leadership role involves developing outreach campaigns that highlight the system's expertise in maternity and emergency care. By strengthening community relationships, Thomas Chakurda directly impacts the visibility of the healthcare network. Furthermore, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer aligns promotional efforts with the strategic goals of the executive team to expand market reach. Through consistent brand positioning, Chakurda fosters trust among patients and stakeholders. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer drives awareness of the comprehensive care options available to the diverse communities served by the organization.

    David Richards - Executive Medical Director

    David Richards, the Executive Medical Director at Independence Health System, supervises the operational execution of medical programs across the network. Overseeing the daily functions of specialized departments, the Executive Medical Director ensures that clinical teams maintain high standards of care. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between administrative strategy and bedside practice to improve patient outcomes. By refining the delivery of surgical and medical services, David Richards directly impacts the efficiency of the entire system. Furthermore, the Executive Medical Director collaborates with department heads to address complex clinical challenges and resource allocation. Through active management of medical staff performance, Richards supports the organization's commitment to high-quality healthcare. Ultimately, the Executive Medical Director ensures that all clinical operations align with the broader mission of providing coordinated, patient-centered medical services.

    Kelley Skoloda - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Kelley Skoloda, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Independence Health System, architects the digital presence and reputation management strategies for the organization. Overseeing the promotion of specialized service lines, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that patients understand the breadth of care available. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to tailor messaging for specific regional demographics. By enhancing the digital patient experience, Kelley Skoloda directly impacts the growth of the primary care network. Furthermore, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer coordinates with clinical leaders to highlight advancements in orthopedics and cardiology. Through strategic media relations, Skoloda builds the public profile of the system as a leader in medical excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer drives engagement by communicating the value of the organization's patient-centered approach to the broader community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Independence Health System Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Independence Health System?
    Independence Health System is led by Karen Allen (President), along with executives such as Janice Devine LEFT ORG (Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer) and Michael Fiorina (Chief Medical Officer).
    Who is part of Independence Health System’s executive team?
    The executive team of Independence Health System includes leaders such as Karen Allen (President), Janice Devine LEFT ORG (Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer), Michael Fiorina (Chief Medical Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Independence Health System have?
    Independence Health System has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Independence Health System’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Independence Health System includes roles such as President, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Interim Chief Operations Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.