Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Welcomes Karen Brubaker Miller as New President & CEO

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is proud to announce Karen Brubaker Miller, MSW, as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Karen will become only the fourth CEO in LifeCare’s 46-year history, following a national search process led by the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Board of Directors. Working alongside a national search firm, the Board evaluated several highly qualified candidates before selecting Karen to lead the organization into its next chapter.

“After meeting Karen, I knew we had found the right person to lead LifeCare forward,” said current President and CEO Gwen Whitley. “She brings the experience, judgment, and compassion that align with who we are and the care we provide every day.”

As one of the largest nonprofit hospice providers in North Carolina, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare serves patients and families across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The organization provides hospice, palliative, dementia, and grief support services with a continued focus on access, quality, and community-based care.

Karen brings more than 30 years of experience in hospice and palliative care, including over 17 years in executive leadership roles. She began her career as a licensed clinical social worker, a background that continues to shape her leadership approach through empathy, perspective, and a deep commitment to people.

Most recently, Karen served as President and CEO of Montgomery & Prince George’s Hospice in Maryland, where she led a multi-county nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to high-quality care.

“I’m honored to join Lower Cape Fear LifeCare and to work alongside a team so deeply committed to serving patients and families,” said Brubaker Miller. “I look forward to building on the organization’s strong foundation, stellar reputation, and continuing its mission of providing compassionate, expert care to the communities it serves.”

Karen’s appointment marks an important new chapter for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare as the organization continues to grow its services while remaining grounded in its nonprofit mission and commitment to providing access to high-quality care.