Karen Nicol-Haukeli MM, BSN, UMC
Karen Nicol-Haukeli, MM, BSN, RN, UMC, is a seasoned healthcare leader, innovator, and mentor with more than 25 years of experience across clinical care, medical management, and strategic business development. She currently serves as Director of Business Development at Encompass Health in Yuma, Arizona, where she focuses on driving growth through relationship-based strategy, market development, and community engagement. Known for her data-driven approach and collaborative leadership style, Karen consistently delivers results that enhance both organizational performance and patient outcomes.
Throughout her career, Karen has held progressive leadership roles within health systems, health plans, and government organizations, including nearly a decade with Humana in regional clinical, operational, and veteran engagement leadership roles. Her background spans quality management, utilization and case management, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance, with deep expertise navigating CMS, NCQA, Joint Commission, and HIPAA requirements. She also brings unique experience from Navy Medicine, where she served as a U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Case Manager leader for the Department of Defense across the Pacific Rim, supporting service members and their families through complex medical journeys.
Karen holds a Master’s degree in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, blending clinical insight with strong business acumen. Beyond her professional work, she remains deeply committed to service and community leadership, contributing to boards and local organizations that support parks, recreation, and community development. Driven by her belief that meaningful change starts with action, Karen continues to lead with purpose, advancing healthcare delivery while mentoring others to create lasting impact.
• Certified Case Manager
• Utilization Management Certified;
• CNA
• University of Phoenix- B.S.N.
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Arizona Western College- C.N.A.
• National Society of Leadership & Success
• National League of Nursing
• Case Management Society of America
• American Association of Critical Care Nurses
• Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association
• VFW
• UMA Crossing National Heritage Area
• City of Kalama
• YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA CORPORATION
• The Humane Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to patience—the ability to stay steady, thoughtful, and committed while working through challenges and long-term goals.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be patient and trust the process—everything takes time, and no matter how slow your progress feels, staying committed will get you where you want to go.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are connection, balance, and appreciation for life—whether that’s spending meaningful time traveling with my sister, enjoying nature through gardening and hiking, or nurturing the joy and responsibility of raising my fur baby, Leroy.