Aug 6, 2025 By Zach Petroff 4 min read

Since starting her medical career as a nuclear medicine technologist and radiologist at Fairmont General Hospital in West Virginia, Karyn Wallace has understood the importance of prioritizing patients first. Now, as the new President and CEO of WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, Wallace plans to use her experience to implement policies that embrace the community.

“It’s been a really busy first month; we have a lot of great things going on. Every day we’re working on a lot of initiatives to really improve the quality of care we provide and to improve the patient experience,” Wallace said in a recent interview.

Last month, the West Virginia native was named to the new position. As a seasoned health-care executive, Wallace has experience in hospital operations, physician partnerships and strategic planning that she said has helped guide her through the various avenues associated with health care.

Originally from Fairmont, Wallace obtained her bachelor’s in science in nuclear medicine technology from Wheeling Jesuit University, now Wheeling University, and her master’s in business from West Virginia University.

Early on in her career, Wallace said she had no interest in pursuing leadership roles. That changed when she was inspired by a manager with whom she worked at West Virginia University, Connie Fenton.

“She was a wonderful leader who taught me so much, and really convinced me to jump into a leadership role,” Wallace shared.

Wallace credits Fenton for shaping her mission to always put “patients first.”

“She mentored our team to focus on the patients and their families in everything we do, and I truly believe that’s the key to doing good work,” Wallace said.

The decision to appoint Wallace was made with the expectation of serving the local community by continuing to provide high-quality health care, according to Nancy Decker, chair of Uniontown Hospital’s Board of Directors.

“Karyn Wallace was selected from a number of well-qualified candidates because of her vision for WVU Medicine Uniontown, her track record in her previous administrative role at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, her energy and drive, and her connection to the area and the WVU Health System,” Decker said.

With extensive experience in the medical field, Wallace said she intends to focus on enhancing the patient experience while serving the community. She also highlighted the importance of adapting to new technologies and advancements in health care as part of her approach to leadership.

And part of that leader philosophy centers on both patients and staff.

“Everybody has ideas,” Wallace says. “I love interacting with people and believe that’s how we grow.”

Since moving to Fayette County, Wallace said she and her family have truly appreciated the area’s beautiful natural scenery. As avid outdoors enthusiasts, Wallace, her husband Jeff, their children Ashlyn, 18, and Landon, 14, along with their German shepherd Nala, have enjoyed exploring everything the region has to offer.

“We’re always on the go, always looking for that next adventure,” she said.

In addition to prioritizing patient care, Wallace emphasized that technology will likely play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of Uniontown Hospital. Earlier this year, the hospital opened its $5 million, state-of-the-art birthing center, which features five newly renovated labor, delivery, and recovery rooms, 11 postpartum rooms, and a specialized suite for babies born via cesarean section.

It’s this type of innovation that Wallace said she believes can have a strong impact in the hospital’s mission to the community.

“Our goal is to provide comprehensive care right here in Fayette County,” Wallace said. “We want patients to receive high-quality treatment without traveling long distances.”

As Uniontown Hospital continues to evolve, Wallace remains committed to its core mission: providing exceptional health care tailored to community needs. Her background as a technologist, combined with her MBA and leadership experience, positions her to guide the hospital through challenging times.

“We show up every day passionate about being here for the community,” she said. “Our goal is to continue growing and be ready to serve.”