Karen McNeil-Miller

National Champion for Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Karen McNeil-Miller embodies fearlessness and has a profound belief in the power of inclusion. Raised in small-town North Carolina, she learned the effects of racism and non-inclusiveness early in life and uses that insight as a Black leader and mother. She has a long history leading diverse organizations, undertaking innovative, community-level approaches to build healthier, inclusive systems. Karen began as a special education teacher and head of the Piedmont School serving children who learn differently. She later served 16 years at the Center for Creative Leadership, solidifying her dedication to develop individuals working for social good. Mid-career, Karen shifted from education to the philanthropy field. In her 10 years as president, the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust earned a national presence on issues from rural health to access to care.

In 2015, she became president and CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation. Driven by her belief that health is a human right, and an unyielding commitment to community voice, Karen shows up for Coloradans of color living on low income, and for her staff, who work smarter thanks to her uncanny ability to cut through the latest philanthropy trends and name the real, gritty work necessary to achieve health equity. Karen is active within the nonprofit community and national and regional philanthropic and rural health organizations, serving on the Boards of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Academy, and Healthier Generation.