Karen Watts

Karen Watts is the current Vice President of Accrediting and Client Services at URAC. Karen has extensive experience in public health administration, having served as Chief of the Perinatal and Infant Health Bureau at the DC Department of Health from 2007 to 2015. In this role, they managed a $4M budget and 50 personnel, developing operational plans and strategic initiatives targeting perinatal disparities.

Before their time at the DC Department of Health, Karen Watts was the Project Director at Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care from May 2006 to August 2007. In this role, they were responsible for developing data collection methods, monitoring project outcomes, and preparing funding proposals and grant applications.

Karen Watts has a long history of commitment to improving public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. Karen has a proven track record of successful grant writing and project management, as well as experience in developing innovative strategies to address complex public health issues.

Karen Watts has a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Northcentral University, a Master’s Certificate in Program Management from The George Washington University, an MBA in Finance from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master of Public Administration in Health Services Management from Golden Gate University. Karen also has a Bachelor of Science in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse from Howard University. Karen is certified as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute and as a Registered Nurse from the Government of the District of Columbia.

Karen Watts reports to Shawn Griffin, President & CEO. They are on a team with Robin Adams - VP, Strategy & Product Development, Maggie Cornett - CIO, and Daniel Spirn - VP, Government Relations.