Karen Knecht
Olney
Summary
Operations professional with strong background in managing complex projects and driving operational excellence. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to delivering high-quality results. Dependable and adaptable, consistently meeting changing demands of business. Proven skills in strategic planning and team leadership.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics, LLC
Silver Spring, MD
12.2010 - Current
- Supervise daily operations across 11 locations spanning Boston, MA to Anderson, SC, overseeing both administrative and clinical staff.
- Drove organizational growth from 2 to 11 offices by identifying, evaluating, and executing financially viable acquisitions.
- Ensure full compliance with American Board for Certification (ABC) standards, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance requirements.
- Lead management and negotiation of all health insurance contracts while identifying and pursuing new payer partnerships.
- Partner with CEO and COO to develop and execute marketing strategies and long-term growth initiatives.
- Spearheaded the acquisition and integration of multiple companies, aligning operations and culture.
- Implemented standardized policies and onboarding processes across all locations, maintaining high retention and minimizing staff turnover.
- Oversee a 4-person billing department managing revenue cycles totaling approximately $23M annually.
Chief Operations Officer
Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, MD, P.A.
Chevy Chase, MD
12.2007 - 11.2011
- Managed operations across 3 offices, supervising 24 staff including front desk, medical assistants, X-ray, and MRI techs.
- Led hiring, training, scheduling, payroll, and performance evaluations.
- Maintained OSHA compliance, oversaw office infrastructure, and improved workflow through policy development.
- Assisted CEO with bank deposits and insurance payment tracking; provided operational updates in executive meetings.
Office Manager (Promotion)
SMARTherapy / Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Chevy Chase, MD
05.2005 - 12.2007
- Managed daily functions of a busy physical therapy office, including staffing and training.
- Handled insurance credentialing, provider agreements, and patient billing.
- Oversaw AR, posted payments, managed denials, and reduced receivable days via collections.
Facility Operations Group Coordinator (F.O.G.) (Promotion)
HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
Bethesda, MD
01.2004 - 05.2005
- Supported 12 facilities in hiring, training, payroll, and staff performance evaluations.
- Created management reports on productivity and salary cost per visit.
Intake Coordinator (Promotion)
HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
Chevy Chase, MD
04.1997 - 01.2004
- Supervised front desk across 3 locations, coordinated credentialing and insurance compliance.
- Assisted with payroll, data entry, and budget management.
Medical Records Clerk / Receptionist
HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
Chevy Chase, MD
09.1995 - 04.1997
- Handled phones, patient intake, insurance verification, pre-authorizations, and supply orders.
- Supported physical therapists and maintained communication with staff and providers.
Education
Certificate - Orthotics and Prosthetics Business Management
University of Hartford
05-2025
Certification - Massage Therapy
National Massage Therapy Institute
Falls Church, VA11-2004
Skills
- Operations Management
- Multi-site Practice Management
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Staff Hiring, Training & Retention
- Regulatory & ABC Compliance
- Insurance Contracting & Credentialing
- Revenue Cycle Management
- EHR Systems: DRFirst, NextGen, OPIE, Waystar
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- ICD-9/10 & CPT Coding
- Business management
- Process improvement
Timeline
Director of Operations
Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics, LLC
12.2010 - Current
Chief Operations Officer
Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, MD, P.A.
12.2007 - 11.2011
Office Manager (Promotion)
SMARTherapy / Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
05.2005 - 12.2007
Facility Operations Group Coordinator (F.O.G.) (Promotion)
HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
01.2004 - 05.2005
Intake Coordinator (Promotion)
HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
04.1997 - 01.2004
Medical Records Clerk / Receptionist
HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
09.1995 - 04.1997
Certification - Massage Therapy
National Massage Therapy Institute
Certificate - Orthotics and Prosthetics Business Management
University of Hartford