“Every job I've had prepared me for this one”: 
Celebrating Karen Sloan's retirement

Karen Sloan’s tenure at CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital (formerly CHI Memorial) began in 1988. She worked within cancer services, marketing and public relations before feeling called to join philanthropy in 2015. She’s served ever since as the Annual Fund Coordinator for CommonSpirit Memorial Foundation.

Now, as her well-deserved retirement approaches on January 15, 2027, we connected to reflect on a full (and fulfilling!) career. Read on for Karen’s career highlights and lessons learned — including her advice to her younger self, and all of us.

You’ve been at CommonSpirit Memorial for decades and moved into philanthropy in 2015. What were you doing before, and how did those earlier years shape your work now?

I started at Memorial in 1988 as an assistant to the Cancer Services Director. Sister Thomas deSales (our CEO at the time) brought us over from another hospital to build a new, modern cancer center. We saw our first patient just a few months later. It was such an exciting time!

While working, I finished my degree in Marketing and Communications at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 1998, I joined the Memorial Hospital marketing team and eventually moved into public relations for the hospital system. In 2011, I left to work for Hospice of Chattanooga, which was a great experience.

I was happy at Hospice — but when a friend told me about an opening on Jennifer Nicely’s foundation team, I felt God guiding me back to Memorial. I’ve been back “home” since 2015.

What is one of your best memories or proudest moments with CommonSpirit Memorial?

It is hard to pick just one, but my favorite memories really revolve around the wonderful people I have met: my fellow employees, our volunteers and our donors. So many people have shaped my life, both personally and professionally.

 Beyond that, I am very proud of my early days in the cancer department, when we built the H. Clay Evans Johnson Cancer Center from the ground up. In my public relations days, I was proud to help finish the purchase of an old hospital property after 12 years of talks. That deal allowed us to grow and add the Heart and Vascular Center, expanding the hospital’s footprint.  I was also so proud when our Foundation was named "Foundation of the Year." There have been many great moments in between!

What has kept you inspired? What is your "why" for healthcare philanthropy?

Working at the foundation gives us a front-row seat to the high-quality care we provide our community. We really make a difference: we tell a story, raise the money and get those funds to the hospital, where they help save lives. To me, this work is about carrying on the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who founded Memorial Hospital, to provide compassionate care to everyone who needs it.

What advice would you give your younger self and those just starting their careers?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Most of the things we worry about never actually happen. Learn from your mistakes, do your best and enjoy every moment — even the challenging ones. The years fly by so fast!

For those starting out in fundraising: find a mentor to help guide you on your journey. I’ve been blessed with several mentors who had an enormous impact on my professional and personal life. Also, be active in your local philanthropy groups; our profession is stronger when we have real connections in the communities we serve. Take advantage of training through AHP, CFRE and our own national philanthropy team. Finally, if you can, go for your CFRE certification. You will be so proud to add those initials after your name!

What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

I am looking forward to spending quality time with my husband, two sons and three beautiful, talented granddaughters. Being able to say "yes" to the important milestones in their lives will be a huge joy. I also plan to travel, volunteer, exercise and read some good books!

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