specialist (RET.) kara fiske

 Kara Bell Fiske, M.B.A., is a distinguished executive leader, operations strategist, and compliance expert with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, business operations, and corporate leadership. With a track record of driving organizational excellence, Kara has consistently demonstrated her ability to develop high-performing teams, optimize business functions, and implement sustainable, repeatable processes that lead to profitability and compliance in complex industries. From serving as a Chief Executive Officer to leading multi-state healthcare enterprises, her expertise spans regulatory compliance, financial management, strategic planning, and operational restructuring.

Kara contributes much of her success as a business executive to the foundational training she received while serving in the United States Army Reserves Kara first enlisted in 1983 assigned to the 425th Transportation Company in Salina, Kansas. She reenlisted in the U.S. Army Missouri National Guard in 1996. Kara is a proud veteran and comes from a family of veterans.  Her father served in the U.S Navy and her husband served in the Marine Corp.  

As the CEO of CKF Addiction Treatment, Kara spearheads the organization’s strategic direction, overseeing multi-site operations and service lines, including residential care, outpatient programs, and telehealth services. Her leadership is instrumental in enhancing financial sustainability while fostering an environment of innovation and compassionate care. She has also been a key driver in regulatory collaborations, including the DCO & CCBHC partnership, ensuring the highest standards in patient care and compliance.

Prior to her current role, Kara served as the Orthopedics Division Practice Director at Spectrum Healthcare Management Services, where she led a strategic reorganization that significantly improved revenue cycle management and operational efficiencies. She played a crucial role in aligning the division with a private equity firm, demonstrating her acumen in mergers and acquisitions. Her ability to navigate complex transitions and financial turnarounds has positioned multiple organizations for long-term success.

Kara’s impact extends beyond her executive roles. As the president and founder of Kara Compliance & Operations Consulting, she has provided invaluable expertise in business consulting, compliance auditing, and operational restructuring. She has acted as an expert witness in healthcare compliance and litigation support, advising legal teams and organizations on best practices for regulatory adherence and risk management. Through her consulting firm, she has successfully guided businesses in startup operations, policy development, and revenue optimization, cementing her reputation as a trusted industry advisor.

Her career also includes tenure as Chief Compliance Officer at Mirror, Inc., where she oversaw compliance operations for substance abuse and mental health facilities. She led a complete revenue cycle turnaround, transforming negative financial outcomes into positive net operating income. Her ability to craft comprehensive policies from the ground up, while ensuring regulatory compliance and financial sustainability, is a hallmark of her leadership.

Kara’s commitment to excellence has been evident across her roles in healthcare systems, private practices, and non-profit organizations. She served as vice president of medical practices and hospitalists at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare Systems, leading the successful launch of multi-specialty clinics. At the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, she navigated regulatory audits, implemented EMR rollouts, and drove large-scale operational transformations, all while managing multimillion-dollar budgets.

Beyond her executive leadership, Kara has been an influential voice in the industry. She has spoken at the Kansas Healthcare Association, American Healthcare Association, and multiple national conferences, providing education and training to audiences of over 500 professionals. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of executives, sharing her expertise in leadership development, compliance, and strategic business operations.

Her dedication extends to board and advisory roles, where she actively contributes to non-profit organizations and community initiatives. She serves on the BHAK board, the Salina Clubhouse board, and the advisory council for unhoused initiatives, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to service. Previously, she was vice president of the Kansas Healthcare Association and a board member for EmpowHer2 in Florida. Her ability to bridge corporate leadership with social impact makes her a dynamic force in both business and philanthropy.

Kara holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Kansas Wesleyan University. She is a certified medical practice executive, a licensed nursing home administrator in multiple states, and a certified law enforcement officer with expertise in criminal investigations and regulatory compliance. Her unique blend of business acumen, legal knowledge, and operational expertise makes her a sought-after leader in the corporate and healthcare sectors.

As she continues her professional journey, Kara remains steadfast in her belief that failure is not an option—she simply adjusts. She is dedicated to driving operational excellence, fostering collaborative leadership, and creating meaningful, sustainable change in every organization she serves. Whether leading executive teams, advising on compliance matters, or mentoring emerging leaders, Kara’s legacy is one of resilience, strategic growth, and transformative leadership.