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Karma H. Bass, MPH, FACHE
CEO/Managing Principal
Areas of Speciality: Sought-after speaker, facilitator, and consultant with deep knowledge and experience in governance, strategic planning, philanthropy, healthcare policy, and board effectiveness
Education + Credentials:
Master’s in Public Health, Health Services Administration
San Diego State University
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives
Experience
Over her more than 20-year career, Karma Bass has been a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and consultant with deep knowledge and experience in governance, strategic planning, philanthropy, healthcare policy, and board effectiveness. Her experience gives her a uniquely valuable perspective as a consultant to hospital and health systems boards today.
Before co-founding Via Healthcare Consulting, Karma worked as vice president for Accord Limited, a Chicago-based consulting firm. She served two years as president and CEO of Alliance Healthcare Foundation in San Diego, where she reported to an independent, 11-person not-for-profit board. Notably, Karma spent 10 years at The Governance Institute, holding various positions including vice president of membership services and director of research and publications. She also oversaw the prestigious biennial hospital governance practices survey tracking trends in nearly 5,000 U.S. hospitals and health systems. During three years at the Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Karma facilitated the first-ever collaborative community health needs assessment for San Diego’s 32 hospitals.
Karma is board-certified in healthcare management and holds a master’s degree in public health with a focus in health services administration from San Diego State University. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego.
A little about my personal side
When I’m not traveling the country to support clients, you can find me being an avid reader, on a trail hiking pursuing a new point of view, generally spending time in nature, or enjoying special moments with family and friends.
Rapid fire questions... Go!
- Mountain, Ocean, or Desert: I can't choose, nature is my sanctuary.
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Bucket list Vacation: I recently visited Bora Bora in French Polynesia which had been lifelong bucket list with my husband to celebrate 25th anniversary.
Recent Industry Insights + AHA Contributions
- 5 Tips for an Outstanding Board Retreat
- How to Navigate Complex, Multitiered Governance | Success comes from defining expectations for various stakeholders
- Boards Must Address Equity Competencies | Health leaders’ attention, connection and empathy will help guide difficult conversations
- Crucial Conversations on Health Equity: Is Your Board Ready