Kara Bell Fiske

We're proud to announce that Kara Bell Fiske, MBA, CMPE, has joined the Grow Together Initiative Board of Directors. Kara is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 30 years of experience in administration, compliance, operations strategy, and organizational governance. Her deep commitment to community wellbeing and her proven track record of strengthening the organizations she leads make her a powerful addition to our board.

A Career Built on Service

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Kara built her leadership foundation on discipline, resilience, and mission-driven service. After her military career, she channeled those values into healthcare leadership, going on to serve in executive roles across nonprofit behavioral health systems, hospital networks, multi-specialty practices, and addiction treatment organizations.

She currently serves as Executive Director of Lafene Health Center and Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Kansas State University, where she leads integrated medical and mental health services supporting the wellbeing and success of the university community.

Executive Leadership

Throughout her career, Kara has led complex organizations through financial restructuring, regulatory oversight, operational transformation, and growth initiatives. Her leadership roles have included:

  • Executive Director, Lafene Health Center & CAPS at Kansas State University
  • CEO of a multi-site addiction treatment organization
  • Chief Compliance Officer for behavioral health systems
  • Executive leadership within hospital and specialty practice environments

Across every role, she has consistently strengthened governance structures, improved financial performance, and built high-performing leadership teams.

Leadership Philosophy

Leadership is less about authority and more about responsibility — the responsibility to protect mission, steward resources wisely, and create environments where both people and programs can flourish.

— Kara Bell Fiske

This philosophy is reflected in everything Kara does. Her work has consistently focused on sustainability, ensuring that community-based services are not only available today but positioned to endure for future generations.

Community Commitment

Beyond her executive roles, Kara's board service and advisory positions have centered on behavioral health, housing insecurity, and initiatives supporting vulnerable populations. She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, fostering community partnerships, and helping organizations translate vision into measurable impact.

Kara holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Kansas Wesleyan University. She is a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) and a licensed nursing home administrator in multiple states.

Impact on GTI's Mission

As a member of the Grow Together Initiative Board of Directors, Kara brings executive expertise in governance, compliance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. Her experience building sustainable systems and her commitment to equity and access align directly with GTI's mission to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through people-centered programs.

Please join us in welcoming Kara Bell Fiske to the Grow Together Initiative family. Her leadership, expertise, and dedication to community empowerment will be invaluable as we continue to grow our impact.

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