My commitment to the health of our community started as an employee at 76-bed Evergreen Hospital. As a Commissioner, I have made many decisions that led to EvergreenHealth becoming a nationally recognized regional medical center. US News & World Report rates EH the #3 best hospital in Washington State. Other hospital rating organizations rate Evergreen as a top 100 hospital in America (top 2% of hospitals nationwide), a top 100 Great Community Hospital and a top 100 “large community hospital”.

Meeting the health needs of patients and the community is one of my highest priorities. The Halvorson Cancer Center and partnership with SCCA fulfills my long time goal of bringing quality cancer care to our community. I strongly supported implementing the Family Maternity Center, Hospice, MS Center, Parkinson's Center and Primary Care Clinics throughout the community.

Another high priority is improving quality of care and patient safety. As Co-Chair of the Board Quality Committee, I oversee initiatives for improvement. Clinical experience as a medical technologist provides knowledge to support changing the clinical processes and hospital culture to reach the goal of absolute safety. Leapfrog Group rates Evergreen "A" for safety.

I serve on the Levy Funded Services Committee that oversees levy monies designated for community benefit. Programs supported are EvergreenHealth Geriatric Care, Youth Mental Health, Healthcare Access, 24hr Nurse Navigator Healthline, programs at Northshore, Kenmore, Kirkland and Redmond Senior Centers, inpatient Hospice care and Palliative Care. Maintaining a low tax rate and assuring that tax monies benefit the community is important.

In a constantly changing environment the challenge is to continue to meet health needs of the community by remaining financially sound as revenues decrease and costs increase. My strong understanding of healthcare finance will help EvergreenHealth continue "to enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch."