Kari Kalgren

Executive Director, Strategy & Innovation, Premier Inc.

Kari is a seasoned healthcare and life sciences professional with over 25 years of experience spanning clinical, operational, and strategic leadership roles. Starting as an occupational therapist, Kari transitioned into business development, sales training, and innovation-focused roles, working with startups and Fortune 10 companies.

As a consultant, Kari provides strategic insights to leadership teams, with expertise in health equity, data & digital health, real-world evidence, and healthcare policy. She leads initiatives connecting health systems and life sciences to address disparities, generate evidence, and drive health outcomes. Kari also holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma Healthcare and Innovation from the University of Pennsylvania and is completing a graduate degree at NYU, combining law, policy, and equity to accelerate healthcare innovation.

A dedicated advocate for community health, Kari serves on the board of Charlotte Family Housing, a leader in Women’s Impact Fund, a previously served as a board member of NC MedAssist.  She is passionate about empowering underserved communities and fostering collaborations that bridge social drivers of health with cutting-edge technology.