Karrie Hagan didn’t know that when she began working for the VA it would lead to a career that has lasted over 20 years providing a home away from home for our nation’s heroes and their families. Meet the manager of the Cincinnati, Ohio VA Fisher House.
Fisher House Foundation is privileged to have amazing managers at each of our 98 and growing comfort homes across the U.S. and overseas. These professionals take care of our military and veteran families, truly making it a “home away from home.”
Karrie Hagan has been the manager at the Ohio Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Medical Center Fisher House since its opening in 2001.
Coming from a long line of military veterans, Karrie always had a heart to serve. Her story, however, began quite unconventionally as a teenager. Inspired by the care she saw her father-in-law receive at the Cincinnati VAMC, she began to pursue a degree in nursing.
After graduating high school, Karrie became a licensed practical nurse and began working in the private sector. When her father-in-law was admitted to the hospital for the second time, she remembers that catapulting her into a desire to work in the VA.
“I went straight to Human Resources and said I’d really like to work here,” she said. “Just seeing what [veterans] have sacrificed for us, I knew I wanted to work at the VA because I am a very caring person and want to give my all.”
When attempts to enter the VA as a licensed practical nurse and pursue her registered nurse certification made no advances, Karrie changed her approach and began in an entry-level position as a secretary for the Chief of Staff at the Cincinnati VA in December of 1990.
It was here that she was able to build her reputation and make many important connections that would lead her down a career path that would last over 20 years.
“Over time I saw this house being built in the backyard of the VA and thought, ‘What is that?’ Then my chief came to me one day and said, ‘We’re getting this house. It’s kind of like a hotel. I need you to run it,” she explained.
Karrie admits at the time she had no idea what she was doing. The Cincinnati Fisher House was only the fifth house built at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, so she began visiting various hospitality homes such as Hope Lodge and the Ronald McDonald House to gain a better understanding of how to run a comfort home.
“It’s like a little fairy tale in a way. I would say God just put me in the right place at the right time.” Karrie said.
Since 2001, she has had the privilege of caring for many veterans and their families. She has cheered them on in their successes and held their hands during difficult times.
She recalls one veteran and his wife who stayed at the Cincinnati VA Fisher House for eight weeks while he received cancer treatment.
“I’ll never forget when he passed away. His wife called me, I was in my office, and she said, ‘I need you to come over here.’ She wanted me in that room with him and he did too. He looked at me and said, ‘Thank you,’ and then passed away. To be considered that close to them while they are here, they’re my family.”
Karrie has hopes of retiring soon after over 20 years of service. Her one piece of advice to any incoming manager is to have patience.
“Get to know your guests, the veterans, because you never know what they are going through. Remember why you are here. Kindness and patience are key, the paperwork can wait.”
In the meantime, Karrie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and traveling. Two things she hopes to do even more of in her retirement, but not before she witnesses Fisher House hitting its milestone of 100 houses.
“I am so proud that I’m going to be a part of seeing 100 Fisher Houses! It has been such a pleasure working with Fisher House Foundation. They are my family."
