For Karen Ivison, service has been at the center of a 35-year career at AdventHealth Waterman.

As manager of Volunteer Services and Project SEARCH program manager, Karen leads programs that connect hundreds of volunteers and students with opportunities to serve others while gaining experience, confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.

“I am most passionate about helping people discover their purpose, fostering personal growth, and creating experiences that positively impact both our volunteers and the patients we serve every day,” Karen says.

Since becoming manager of Volunteer Services in 2022, Karen has focused on building an inclusive volunteer program that welcomes people from all walks of life and abilities. One of the accomplishments she is most proud of is expanding AdventHealth Waterman’s Teen Summer Volunteer Program.

What began as a smaller program now gives dozens of students each year the opportunity to gain exposure to healthcare careers, develop leadership skills and learn the value of service.

“Watching young volunteers gain confidence, discover their passions, and pursue careers in healthcare has been incredibly rewarding,” Karen says.

She is also proud to have earned her Certified Director of Volunteer Services credential through the Society for Healthcare Volunteer Leaders, which she says reflects her commitment to professional growth and excellence in volunteer leadership.

Karen also serves as program manager for Project SEARCH, a workforce development program that helps young adults with disabilities gain job skills and work experience. The program welcomed its second class of interns in August and Karen is looking forward to continuing to expand opportunities for individuals and families throughout Lake County.

She is also a 2024 graduate of Leadership Lake and currently serves as a board member for Trout Lake Nature Center.

“Seeing participants develop confidence, achieve independence, and prepare for successful employment has been incredibly rewarding,” Karen says.

Over the course of her career, Karen says the people she has served and worked alongside have had the greatest influence on her leadership journey. Mentors, colleagues, volunteers, patients and community members have each helped shape the way she approaches leadership and service.

“Over the years, I have learned that leadership is not about titles or recognition—it is about serving others, building meaningful relationships, and helping people discover their potential,” she says.

That philosophy also shapes the advice Karen gives to the next generation of professionals and community leaders.

“Stay humble, stay curious, and lead with your heart,” Karen says. “Success is not measured by what you accomplish alone, but by how many people you help grow and succeed.”

For Karen, that idea also defines the legacy she hopes to leave through her work.

“The greatest legacy we can leave is helping others succeed,” she says.