System Director, Sustainability
CommonSpirit Health
Kara Brooks is a nationally recognized sustainability leader with over two decades of experience driving environmental stewardship, energy optimization, and climate resilience across the health care sector. As System Director, Sustainability at CommonSpirit Health—the largest nonprofit health system in the United States—she leads strategies that embed sustainability into the National Real Estate Services platform across more than 150 hospitals and 2,000 care sites.
Her leadership drives measurable outcomes in decarbonization, energy efficiency, and building optimization, aligning environmental goals with operational excellence and mission impact.
Prior to CommonSpirit, Kara served as Senior Associate Director of Sustainability at the American Hospital Association (AHA), where she spearheaded national initiatives that positioned hospitals and health systems at the forefront of sustainability and cross-sector collaboration. Her work with AHA continues to influence national frameworks and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across the field.
A trusted advisor and speaker, Kara contributes to high-impact panels and technical committees that shape codes, standards, and strategic direction for sustainable health care environments. With a foundation in mechanical engineering and advanced expertise in strategic management, she brings analytical rigor and visionary leadership to complex, outcome-driven programs—advancing the health care industry’s transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Leadership Skills for Environmentally Resilient Healthcare
Sunday, March 1, 2026
9:00am - 4:00pm CT