After nearly 20 years with Orchard, Karen Abara will retire in March 2025. As the current Manager of Field Operations, Karen started with Orchard as a System Engineer—now known as a Field Implementation Analyst.
“Karen’s absence will be deeply felt, but her legacy as a leader and laboratorian at Orchard will continue to inspire us,” said Billie Whitehurst, CEO of Orchard Software.
“She was always ready to tackle any customer issue, bringing her experience, determination, and resourcefulness to every challenge. As an exceptional teacher, she consistently prioritized the success of her colleagues,” Whitehurst said. “We extend our best wishes to her in all her future endeavors!”
All About Karen Abara
We asked Karen to reflect on her 16 years with Orchard and her upcoming retirement.
Where did you go to college and/or graduate school?
Elizabethtown College, Bachelor of Science
Where did you work (or what type of work did you do) before joining our company?
I started out as a med tech in a local community hospital. I then went on to do support and training for a diagnostic company. I have been working on LIS implementations for close to 25 years, including my time with Orchard.
What types of projects/assignments have you worked on?
Implementations in every type of lab there is.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Mentoring and growing those around me.
What are some things you’ve learned at Orchard?
The true meaning of “team” and that a team can be as small as a subgroup of my direct reports or can be everyone in the entire company.
What are some memorable experiences you’ve had at Orchard?
Each and every FIA week. Our team has always been remote. It is our one opportunity to get to see everyone. The best part is seeing everyone and catching up. Sharing pictures of babies and grand babies.
What advice would you give to your colleagues as they move into the future?
Healthcare is evolving, and we need to evolve with it.
Tell us about your family.
My husband and I are both from NJ. We currently reside in Mesa, AZ. We moved here 11 years ago, and it was one of the best decisions we ever made. I am an aunt to two nieces, and a great-aunt to six.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
St. Maarten. (That is where the picture of me is from.)
What is on your bucket list?
Visiting every U.S. state. I have two to go: Alaska and New Hampshire—quite the opposites.
Favorite sport?
I do not play sports, but am a basketball junkie from a spectator prescriptive. Following my Jersey roots: the NY Knicks. I watch any basketball game that is available on network TV. Avid fan of college basketball also.
What music is on your “Favorites” playlist?
The ’80s.
Motto or personal mantra?
Put your oxygen mask on before helping others. You need to take care of yourself in order to better help those around you.
What are your plans for retirement?
I have always enjoyed travel and want to do even more of it. I cannot wait to take advantage of last-minute travel deals, no PTO required!
Karen’s Impact on Orchard
While it is bittersweet that Karen is retiring after many years leading the field implementation team, her impact on our organization will be long-lasting. Her colleagues have reflected on that impact and had the following to say:
