Karen Cherry-Brown
Karen Cherry-Brown is the founder of SIPS Healthcare Solutions, a nationally recognized consulting firm dedicated to advancing excellence in sterile processing, perioperative services, and healthcare operations. With more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Karen has built a career rooted in leadership, mentorship, and operational transformation. Her journey began in hands-on patient care roles as a nurse and dental assistant before transitioning into sterile processing, where she discovered her passion for improving the systems that directly impact patient safety. Today, she is widely respected for her ability to identify industry gaps, implement strategic solutions, and elevate standards across healthcare organizations.
Through SIPS Healthcare Solutions, Karen has spent over two decades providing comprehensive services including staffing support, process improvement, interim management, leadership development, and compliance training. Her organization is known for delivering practical, results-driven strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen team performance. Even after officially stepping back from day-to-day operations, Karen remains deeply involved as a trusted advisor to her executive team, continuing to guide leaders, mentor professionals, and shape the future of healthcare operations. Her leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership—lifting others, investing in people, and never losing sight of those on the front lines.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen is a dedicated public servant and community advocate. She serves as a city council member in Duncanville, Texas, and is the founder of the Cherry Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting underserved families, children, and seniors through essential resources and seasonal initiatives. She also hosts a podcast and leads the annual Scrub Ball event, which brings together healthcare professionals to celebrate excellence and provide scholarships. Driven by a deep commitment to giving back, Karen is passionate about mentoring the next generation and ensuring that her legacy is one of empowerment, opportunity, and lasting impact.
• MBA
• Amberton University - MBA
• NSU - BBA, Business
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Celebration for Individual of Service Award
• Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Dallas for Cherry Foundation
• Proclamation from the City of Duncanville for Women's History Month
• Rotary Club of Duncanville recognition as Membership Director
• Vivian Thomas Award - Leaders Among Leaders
• Cherry Heart Award
• HFPA
• Texas Association of Black City Council Members (TABCCM)
• Rotary Club of Duncanville
• Cherry Foundation - provides back-to-school supplies and Christmas support for underprivileged kids
• And holiday dinners
• Socks
• And blankets for seniors
• Scrub Ball - annual event that gives scholarships to those pursuing healthcare careers and recognizes healthcare heroes
• City Council Member for Duncanville
• Motivational speaking to youth at high schools
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to motivation, strong influences in my background and family, particularly my mother and grandmother, and the work ethic and values that they instilled in me. My grandmother used to say, 'Karen, if you accept something, you just do your best. Even if you decide that it's time to leave, leave without giving a formal notice, or without doing your best until that last minute.' Remembering those things have helped me and helped mold me to have the relationships in the industry. Even today, one of the people that I was on an account with 20 years ago started at a new facility, and 20 years later, she reaches out to my company. I said, I'm retired, but when they told me she reached out and said, 'I know Karen's retired, but I know the company's still a great company,' so I flew out there and surprised her as well as my staff. I just feel like no matter where we are, we did their best. We didn't do it by ourselves.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Show up and never give up. The sky is the limit.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering healthcare that the sky is the limit. Don't sell yourself short. But success doesn't come overnight. Relationships are extremely important, and don't burn bridges. I love my future generation, because I'm always going and doing motivational talks to my youth, whether it's high schools or whatever. I love the courage of the young people today, because they aren't afraid of anything, but take your time and put in the work. Don't try to go from A to Z and just zoom into Z. Go from A to B first and work down from there.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I see in my field right now is work ethics. People seem to want instant gratification but not give 100% of themselves. I would like to see them not try to go from A to Z and just zoom into Z, but go from A to B first and work down from there. I love the courage of the young people today because they aren't afraid of anything, but they need to take their time and put in the work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are being honest, learning, and balance. Even in my marriage, I've learned that I can't do it all, and I'm getting ready to celebrate my 30th anniversary next week. I believe in being humble and being selfless. You have to learn how to balance saying no, but I also believe that you don't always put yourself first, and that's why I say being selfless. To me, by giving, it's inevitable that you're gonna receive. I would also say taking care of yourself is important. My mother and grandmother instilled the work ethic and values in me that I have to this day. My grandmother used to say, 'Karen, if you accept something, you just do your best. Even if you decide that it's time to leave, leave without giving a formal notice, or without doing your best until that last minute.'