Board of Alumni

Carolyn Harley

Class of 1987
Palo Alto, California

Carolyn Harley, B.A. ’87, was born in Philadelphia and raised in Palo Alto, California, where she currently resides with her two children and partner. She is the director of Integrated Client Services and Health Policy for OptumInsight which provides consulting services in the health care sector.

At Lewis & Clark, Carolyn majored in international affairs and studied abroad in Szeged, Hungary. She also played soccer for the Pioneers and currently coaches her daughter’s soccer team.  She brings a great deal of valuable experience in grant writing, data analysis, public presentation, team management, leadership, and strategic development to the board. “The college really allowed me to explore new ideas and ideologies in a safe, but dynamic environment. I really want a chance to have an impact on the college that had an impact on me,” she said about her commitment to the alumni board.

Carolyn has a Master’s in public policy and administration from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in health services research, policy, and administration from University of Minnesota, where her dissertation topic was on socioeconomic status and health.

Prior to starting her career with OptumInsight in 2000, Carolyn managed the state of North Carolina’s HIV health care services, case management, and housing support programs. She also worked for other organizations devoted to public policy and research for people living with HIV/AIDS.