Christina Koren
Christina Koren, executive director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as a Fellow of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.
Fellows come from all 13 Appalachian states; Koren is one of only three ALI Fellows from Pennsylvania.
The eight-month program, which kicked off with an orientation session in Huntsville, Alabama, in October, is anchored by six multi-day seminars across the Appalachian Region. Each seminar focuses on one of ARC’s strategic investment priorities and will prepare the ALI Fellows to build effective economic and community development strategies, integrate their local assets into wider regional development strategies, and use new connections to forge strong regional partnerships.
Upon completion of the program, fellows will continue to build and share knowledge with hundreds of other leaders in the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, a peer working group fostering collaborative solutions to build a stronger economic future for Appalachia.
“We congratulate Dr. Koren on her selection for this important and prestigious program,” IUP Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo said. “It is an excellent opportunity for her to expand IUP’s presence and connections throughout the Appalachian region,” she said.
“I am honored to represent Pennsylvania and Indiana University of Pennsylvania in this year’s Appalachian Regional Commission’s Leadership Program,” Koren said.
“This fellowship provides an incredible opportunity to engage with leaders from across the 13-state Appalachian region, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships that advance economic growth, workforce development, and opportunity throughout our communities.
“As a university deeply committed to serving as a catalyst for regional economic vitality, IUP recognizes the critical role higher education plays in developing talent, driving innovation, and creating pathways to prosperity. I look forward to bringing new perspectives, meaningful partnerships, and innovative strategies back to IUP and Pennsylvania as we work to build a stronger workforce, more competitive economy, and brighter future for our students, the Appalachian region, and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Koren said.
In her role at IUP, Koren advances partnerships among higher education, government, and local industries to address workforce and economic challenges across Pennsylvania.
She serves on several local, county, and statewide boards dedicated to Pennsylvania’s economic vitality, including The Center for Population Health, the boards of Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Armstrong-Indiana Career Pathways Partnership Executive Committee, and the Indiana County Center for Economic Operations work group.
Koren will represent the university and highlight her work at two upcoming events focused on healthcare leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
On November 16, Koren will serve as a panelist at the Dawn Gideon and Kevin Altomari Symposium, an annual educational event hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Health Policy and Management in cooperation with the Health Policy and Management Alumni Association and supported by the Dawn Gideon Foundation. This year’s symposium, “Rural Healthcare at a Crossroads: Survival, Innovation & Equity,” will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of rural healthcare. The event is in Pittsburgh.
On November 18, Koren will deliver the keynote address at the Women in Business Luncheon, hosted by the Cambria County Regional Chamber at Sunnehanna Country Club. The event, themed “Bridging Sectors, Building Futures,” will bring together business and community leaders to foster professional connections, strengthen partnerships, and advance regional development.
Additionally, Koren has been an invited speaker and moderator for state conferences related to health care and rural health. In April, she was selected to moderate a session for the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Conference (PHC4) and was a member of the IUP team invited to present at the April Appalachian Regional Commission’s “Network Appalachia” meeting, showcasing the region’s experts on transportation, robotics, economic development, and emerging technologies.
Koren is also the cochair of the annual IUP and Indiana Regional Medical Center’s Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference, now in its fifth year. She is also the producer of the IUP and IRMC Rural Health Pulse podcast, now in its fourth season, and initiated the “Talon Ticket” program, a partnership with IUP, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, and area businesses.
Koren has 20 years of experience in higher education administration. Prior to coming to IUP, she worked as the executive director of mission integration and community engagement at Mount Aloysius College, where she was selected to serve as the first director of government relations. She also serves as vice president for the Ebensburg Mainstreet Partnership and maintains an adjunct instructor role in higher education.
Pennsylvania Business Central recognized Koren on its “Foremost Under 40” list in 2024 and among its Top 100 People in 2023.
She earned her bachelor’s degree at St. Vincent College, her MBA at Waynesburg University, and her doctoral degree in administration and leadership studies at IUP.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. IUP’s Impact 150 comprehensive campaign is designed to honor a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, public service, and leadership in healthcare education, including the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in the commonwealth.