Karen Michell
Executive Director

Karen Michell is the Executive Director of the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario.  In this role, Karen works with Ontario’s 25 research hospitals to provide a focal point for strategic initiatives that aim to strengthen the health research enterprise in Ontario through the integration of health research, education, and specialized care.  

As key partners in the health care system, the CAHO community aims to harness our collective research and innovation strengths to advance world-leading patient care and a sustainable health care system.   Most recently, CAHO launched the Adopting Research to Improve Care (ARTIC) Program which is establishing the implementation pathway to systematically move research evidence into practice across the health care system.

Prior to joining CAHO, Karen spent 14 years at the Canadian Bankers Association, most recently as the Vice President, Banking Operations.  In that capacity, Karen worked with senior decision makers in government and senior executives in the banks to develop policies and regulations that contributed to a safe and efficient banking sector in Canada.  Karen was responsible for issues as diverse as risk management, accounting standards, tax competitiveness, payment systems and emergency preparedness. 

Karen has a Masters degree in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University and a BA in International Relations from the University of Toronto.