Karen A Hacker

Karen A. Hacker is an esteemed Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, where she contributes to the departments of health policy and management, as well as behavioral and community health sciences. Her career is marked by a profound dedication to public health and medicine, underscored by her tenure as the director of the Allegheny County Health Department. From 2013 to 2019, she also served as the secretary to the Allegheny County Board of Health, where she played a pivotal role in shaping health policies and initiatives. Currently, Karen A. Hacker is at the helm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. In this capacity, she leads efforts to address chronic disease prevention and health promotion on a national scale, leveraging her extensive experience in public health leadership and policy development. Her research interests are deeply rooted in understanding and addressing community health needs. She has a particular focus on adolescent risk and resiliency, child mental health, immigrant health, and healthcare policy. Through her work, she seeks to uncover the social determinants that impact the health of immigrant populations and adolescents, aiming to develop strategies that promote health equity and resilience. Karen A. Hacker's diverse background in medicine and public health leadership has enabled her to forge strong collaborations with community partners. Her commitment to community-based research is evident in her efforts to drive positive change in both practice and research settings. By engaging with communities directly, she ensures that her research is not only academically rigorous but also practically applicable and beneficial to those it aims to serve. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous accolades and publications, reflecting her impact on public health policy and practice. As a thought leader in her field, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of public health professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Karen A. Hacker's work exemplifies the intersection of research, policy, and community engagement, making her a vital figure in advancing public health initiatives that address the complex challenges faced by diverse populations. Her dedication to improving health outcomes through evidence-based approaches and community partnerships remains a cornerstone of her professional journey.