As CNO, Karlene is responsible for integrating the science of patient care, staffing, and clinical informatics into symplr solutions. 

Prior to joining symplr in 2011, she was the Corporate Chief Nursing and Patient Care Officer at three of the largest US healthcare systems. Previously she held positions in clinical practice, healthcare consulting, project management and academic appointments in Business Administration and Nursing. 

She holds a PhD from the University of Illinois, Chicago, an MA and BSN from the University of Iowa and has completed executive leadership programs at the Wharton School for Nurse Executives. Karlene has published over 400 articles in the areas of data-driven staffing, workforce management, leadership, and patient safety. She writes a popular column on leadership for Nursing Economics and serves on the DAISY Foundation Board. She was elected as a Fellow to the American Academy of Nursing and has received numerous awards and honors.