Karen Acerra-Williams MPH

Prior to her current assignment, Acerra-Williams served as the deputy director for VA Boston from 2014 to 2022. In 2022, she voluntarily stepped down from the deputy director role. From June 2016 to June 2017, while deputy director, she was appointed interim medical center director for the Bedford VA by Dr. David Shulkin, undersecretary for health at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

From 2009 to 2014, Acerra-Williams was the assistant director for the VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Campus. Prior to this she was the health system specialist to the medical center director and health system specialist to the chief of staff.

Prior to coming to VA Boston, Acerra-Williams had worked in various leadership positions for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, she served as an adjunct instructor at two local colleges and served on the health advisory committee in her local community from January 2006 through December 2007.

Acerra-Williams holds a master’s degree in public health from Boston University and has worked in healthcare administration for more than 30 years. She served on the board of directors for the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board from 2014 to 2017.

In 2008, Acerra-Williams was recognized as the Professional/Administrative Employee of the Year by the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board, Excellence in Government Award.