Executive Director
Man Alive, Inc.
Baltimore, Maryland
Karen Reese, M.A., CAC-AD, is the Executive Director of Man Alive, Inc., the first opioid treatment program in Maryland and the second in the country. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland serve to complement her progressive leadership style. She has tirelessly worked to dismantle stigma through both policy and practice, while designing innovative, culturally responsive programs tailored to the realities of urban communities.
Drawing on her early training in professional dance and theatre—and decades of experience in behavioral health—Karen founded Baltimore’s Imagination Lab and the Ambassador Series, two creative initiatives that reflect her belief in the transformative power of self-expression. A resolute advocate for animal rights, she was appointed to the Mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission in Baltimore City, the first commission of its kind.
Her leadership has earned her widespread recognition. In 2016, The Daily Record named her one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. She has served on the Executive Committee of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network and was selected as a Weinberg Fellow through the prestigious Weinberg Leadership Program.
Karen’s work is deeply personal. She draws inspiration from the thousands of clients who have walked through Man Alive’s doors, as well as from the unwavering love of her late husband, son, grandchildren, and close friends. Their stories, struggles, and strengths continue to fuel her vision, energy, and enduring commitment to service.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
8:45am - 9:15am EST