The Northwest Healthcare Response Network (Network) stands as a vital and trusted convener at a time when healthcare systems, communities and economies face more frequent and complex threats. Washington faces many hazards – both seen and unseen – including severe weather and flooding, wildfires, technology attacks, earthquakes, and public health crises. Each of these has the potential of causing far-reaching supply chain disruptions. For Washingtonians, it is not a matter of if a disaster will impact them, it’s when.
As a Board Member and long-time emergency management practitioner, I have seen firsthand how the Network brings together our state’s public and private partners to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies that affect the health and safety of our communities and our economies. The Network’s team collaborates before, during, and after disasters strike, providing a platform for efficiency, action, situational awareness, and shared solutions. They deliver both experience and expertise to deal with resource shortages and surge events, providing leadership to ensure that healthcare organizations do not face these challenges alone. Their proven strategies strengthen coordination among hospitals, public health agencies, long-term care facilities, EMS, and emergency management.
The Board of Directors supports the Network’s critical mission: Protect health, preserve services, and promote resilience. Each member of our team – including Chief Executive Officer, Onora Lien, to her leadership team and the wonderful staff – are “Always On” in their statewide efforts to improve our ability to respond to a crisis. On behalf of the Board, I’m proud to support an organization that leads a stronger, more connected, and more prepared healthcare system across Washington State.
Chair:
Adjunct Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Former Director of Emergency Management, Snohomish County
Vice-Chair:
Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, MultiCare Health System
Secretary:
Interim Chief Medical Officer, Overlake Hospital Medical Center and Clinics
Treasurer:
Director, Financial Planning and Operations, EvergreenHealth
Ex Officio:
Chief Executive Officer, NWHRN
Executive Director, Edmonds Landing Assisted Living
Retired EMS, Public Health & Emergency Management Executive
Director of Policy and Planning, Public Health- Seattle and King County
Independent Management Consultant
Chief Operating Officer, Kaiser Permanente Washington
Executive Director, Olympic Ambulance and WA Market Executive Director, Metro West Family of Companies
Healthcare and Public Health Executive
Executive Medical Director, Swedish Acute Care & Medical Director, Providence Staffing, Transfer and Operations Center
Chief Clinical Officer, Klickitat Valley Health
The Northwest Healthcare Response Network is guided by an independent Board of Directors committed to advancing our mission to strengthen healthcare preparedness and response across Washington state. Our Board plays a vital role in shaping our organization’s direction and ensuring our work has meaningful impact across the communities we serve.
Board members are selected for their leadership, expertise, and shared commitment to public health, different than board selection models considering employer or financial contributions. Directors serve in their individual capacity and bring diverse experience from both healthcare and non-healthcare sectors. There are no designated seats for specific industries; instead, we prioritize individuals who can offer insight, support strategic partnerships, and help us navigate an evolving landscape.
In their role, Board members help define our mission, vision, and long-term goals. They provide governance oversight, develop policies that guide operations, and ensure the organization is meeting its legal and ethical obligations. The Board is also responsible for fiduciary oversight, including approving the budget, monitoring financial performance, and supporting fundraising efforts that sustain our work.
Beyond strategy and finance, Board members help ensure the effectiveness of our programs, advocate on behalf of the organization, and strengthen public and private relationships to extend our reach. They help us identify and manage risks, offer leadership during times of crisis, and provide guidance and evaluation for the Executive Director. Through this collaborative and mission-driven leadership, the Board helps ensure the Network remains a trusted, responsive, and forward-looking force for health and safety across Washington.