RBMA Bulletin Feature: A Spotlight Interview with Kara Connor

September 3rd, 2026

By: Kara Connor, Chief Strategy Officer

This interview was originally published in the July/August 2026 edition of the RBMA Bulletin. View the article in its original format here. 

An RBMA Bulletin Interview with Kara Connor, Chief Strategy Officer at PBS Radiology Business Experts and board member of the RBMA Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

Q: What first drew you to work in the radiology business field?

I entered Radiology by opportunity and perhaps destiny. Positioned in business development and marketing, I found early success as a visionary, knack for developing efficiencies, getting creative and building relationships that drove growth. Having worked in various industries it wasn’t until I started working in Radiology that I felt I was able to bring more of my why to the process and that changed everything. Work driven by purpose, creates passion and meaning and that alone accelerates impact.

Radiology presented a unique opportunity to bring that mindset into a field where financial performance, culture, and patient care are all deeply interconnected. I’ve always been a big-picture thinker, but I also enjoy refining strategy, building processes, and improving how teams operate together. Prior to joining PBS, I wore many hats in the operational leadership of imaging centers, which gave me a well-rounded perspective and opportunity to support and improve these areas and integrations.

Q: What are some significant changes you have seen in the field over the years?

The increasing complexity of operating successfully in radiology. Groups have faced mounting pressure from radiologist shortages, reimbursement compression, prior authorization and regulatory demands, cybersecurity threats, and the growing cost of technology and compliance.

Having worked in development and operations within a group and now in outsourced RCM, I’ve seen how these pressures compound. Many solutions intended to create efficiency; new systems, added vendors, workflows, and point products can also create more fragmentation. Instead of simplifying the work, they can add layers of complexity, inconsistency, and resource strain.

Overall in my time the changes and impact are significant: higher operating costs, stretched teams, increased viability concerns, and continued consolidation or loss of independent practices. Ultimately, these changes don’t just affect business operations; they affect access to care, quality of care, and the ability of radiology groups to remain strong, sustainable partners in the healthcare system.

Q: What is your current involvement with RBMA?

I stay connected and involved in RBMA through continuous connection and resourcing of incredible network of people. I serve as a volunteer on committees, participate and sometimes lead topics through events (both virtual and in person), I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, a co-founder of the Chapter three years ago. I regularly attend and support state chapter meetings, national meeting through both corporate sponsorship and active participation.

Q: When and why did you choose to get involved with RBMA?

I had had some limited remote involvement with RBMA in my earlier years in Radiology, it was 2019 when I was able to participate in my first in person meeting and experience it in a more meaningful way. While the educational resources are strong and valuable, what stood out most was the community, the openness, willingness to share, and genuine support among members. Efforts to be more involved and become a bigger part of RBMA have been consistent ever since.

Q: What do you value as an RBMA member?

The relationships, without question. RBMA offers a unique environment where you can build a strong network of peers, partners, and friends who are all invested in the success of the industry. That level of collaboration, trust, and shared insight is incredibly valuable, both professionally and personally.

“RBMA offers a unique environment where you can build a strong network of peers, partners, and friends who are all invested in the success of the industry.”

Q: How do you like to recharge when you’re away from work?

I enjoy the outdoors and staying active, love being on the water. I have a passion for boating, skiing, sailing, and chasing sunsets whenever I can. Most importantly, I value time with my children. Youth sports were a significant part of life for more than a decade and I found a tremendous amount of joy being a number one fan and watching them grow and flourish over the years. As my youngest prepares to leave the nest, I’m stepping into a new chapter one I’m excited to embrace with more travel, slower meals, and some time for live music and dancing.

Q: What advice would you share with someone just entering the field?

Show up and stay engaged. Take every opportunity to immerse yourself in RBMA and other industry associations. Network intentionally, seek out volunteer opportunities, and build meaningful connections. Relationships are one of the most valuable assets you’ll develop.

Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back from showing up, contributing, or getting involved. Growth happens when you step into rooms that stretch you. The people you surround yourself with will shape your experience, choose wisely and you’ll gain far more than just knowledge.

Know your “why.” Define your core values and operate within them. Navigating a career without that foundation can feel like traveling without a map or compass. When challenges and pressures arise, I find grounding myself in purpose helps me evaluate decisions more clearly. That clarity fuels forward momentum and also helps guide necessary course corrections.