Board of Directors

The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is fortunate to have a committed, dynamic Board of Directors. Each board member contributes a unique perspective, but all are united in their commitment to improving health for Alaskans living in the Valley. Members serve three-year terms, and may serve up to three consecutive terms.

LISA WADE

CHAIR, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa is the health, education, and social services division director for Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. She is a steering committee member of the Alaska Resilience Coalition and of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su. She is a member of Benteh/Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center’s Joint Operating Board and an advisory committee member of the Ahtnahwt’aene’ Nay’dini’aa den (Life House Clinic Community Health Center). Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Metropolitan State University. She studied counseling psychology at the master’s level at Saint Mary’s University and completed coursework in a PhD program in clinical and community psychology with a rural indigenous emphasis at the University of Alaska.

LISA SMAYDA

Vice Chair, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Lisa joined the MSHF board in June 2020. She has lived in Alaska since 1978 and became a resident of the Mat-Su in 1991. The majority of her 44-year career was spent working in the medical field as a registered nurse in the Mat-Su and rural Alaska. Lisa is on the Mat-Su Senior Services Board of Directors and previously served on the board for the Denali Kid Care pilot program, as well as on the advisory boards for Holy Family Catholic Church and Saint Michael’s Catholic Church. Lisa earned a nursing diploma in 1976 from the Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans and went on to complete a Pastoral Leadership Program at Gonzaga University in 1997.

TERI NAMTVEDT

SECRETARY-TREASURER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Teri was selected to rejoin the MSHF board of directors in 2015. She previously served on the MSHF board from June, 2006 – May, 2011, including a term as board chair in 2010. Teri also serves on the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Category A board of directors, a position she has held since September, 2009. Teri has owned Namtvedt and Company CPAs Inc. in Wasilla since 2006. Prior to that she served as chief financial officer at the Alaska Sea Life Center, as well as interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Mat-Su Heath Services. Teri has volunteered with the Anchorage Ski Club/Arctic Valley, various equestrian organizations and on a Catholic Social Services advisory group. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

TAMMY BRUCE

MEMBER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tammy Bruce joined the MSHF Board of Directors in June 2021. Born and raised in Alaska, she brings with her more than 10 years of experience working in finance with Edward Jones, as well as a history of working in marketing with the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tammy previously served as the president and has been a member of the Palmer Rotary Club for 20 years. In addition, she was the lieutenant governor for District 5010, as well as served on the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for three years and the MTA Board of Directors for four years in the past. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1998.

MARISA CHUD

MEMBER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Marisa Chud joined the MSHF board in June 2021. She not only has experience working in the nonprofit realm with the YWCA in Cambridge and Navah KC, but also has 6 years of professional experience working in the legal field in various capacities. Marisa began as a law clerk at the Palmer Superior Courthouse and presently works as an attorney with Denali Law Group. She serves on committees at Northgate Alaska, and has previously volunteered with Triumphant Mercy, a center for refugees in Beirut, Lebanon, as well as Catholic Social Services. Marisa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2008 and earned her Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston in 2013.

RAELYNN DANIELOWSKI

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Raelynn joined the MSHF board in June, 2020. She is a lifelong Alaskan with 23 years in the Mat-Su. Raelynn has a wealth of finance experience in the energy sector and currently works as the assistant financial controller at Matanuska Telephone Association (MTA). She is a current committee member of the MTA Investment Committee. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance.

DR. BARB DOTY

MEMBER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Barb Doty is a board certified family physician who has completed fellowships in Medical Education and Faculty Development, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine and Rural Health. She joined the MSHF board in June 2021. Barb has more than 40 years of experience studying, contributing to and working in healthcare. She is presently a WWAMI-Alaska assistant clinical dean with the University of Washington School of Medicine. Barb is currently a member of the Mat-Su College Advisory Board and has served different groups in many capacities in the past including as Board Chair for Mat-Su Behavioral Health, assembly member for the Mat-Su Borough and as a federal appointee on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in 1977 and has since attended many educational programs at a range of institutions including the University of Washington, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Colorado and the University of Arizona.

DAVID ELLER

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

David Eller joined the MSHF board in June 2023. He has been a financial advisor since 2008 and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. David served as a School Resource Officer during his three years as a Wasilla police officer and he was a 911 dispatcher with the Palmer Police Department. He also has a background in firefighting and paramedicine, serving with the Central Mat-Su Fire Department and the former Wasilla Ambulance Service, respectively. Presently, David serves as a volunteer Chaplain for these agencies, and he serves on the Board of Supervisors for the Central Mat-Su Fire Department. In addition, David has served on the Elder Board at Wasilla Bible Church. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine in 1998 and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Administration from Mat-Su College in 1997.

GREG JONES

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Greg joined the MSHF board in June, 2020. His work experience has ranged across entrepreneurship, organization building, management of both large and small organizations, and public policy. Greg served as the interim CEO for the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and was subsequently appointed a trustee. He is a member of the Connect Mat-Su Steering Committee and has previously served on the boards of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission, Anchorage Board of Examiners and Appeals, Special Olympics of Alaska, Alaska Academic Decathlon, Anchorage Home Builders Association, Great Land Trust and the Covenant House Site Selection Committee. He attended the University of Alaska and graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1970.

KEITH KEHOE

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Keith has been a physician assistant in the Upper Mat-Su for almost 20 years. Keith has also worked as a physician assistant in several other Alaska communities, as well as overseas. His previous board experience includes eight years with the Alaska Primary Care Association from 1998-2005, the Jessica Stevens Foundation since its inception in 2007, and with Talkeetna’s local community radio station, KTNA. He also serves as vice president with the Parent Teacher Student Association at Susitna Valley Junior/Senior High School. Keith earned his physician assistant certification from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts from Lesley College, and a Bachelor of Science from Illinois Benedictine College. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

LEBRON MCPHAIL

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Lebron was elected to the MSHF board of directors in June 2016. During his 29-year career with the Mat-Su Borough School District, Lebron served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and executive director of instruction with an enrollment approaching 18,000 students. Since his retirement in 2013, he has worked for the school district part-time, overseeing students who are on long term suspensions. He also serves as a commissioner for Serve Alaska and  has volunteered with a number of non-profit organizations, including the Alaska Family Services Board. He has been involved in the Community Justice Coalition and the Mat-Su Judo Club, where he served as president for five years, and has coached football, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and track and field. Lebron holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern New Mexico University and a master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy.

ROSS NEWCOMBE

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Ross Newcombe joined the MSHF board in June 2023. He serves as the CEO of North Star Behavioral Health System. Prior to that, he was the CFO and COO for Providence Alaska Medical Center. Ross is a 20-year veteran of the United States Army who served in multiple command and staff positions. After initially serving in leadership roles as an aeromedical evacuation pilot, he graduated from the Army Medical Department Comptroller Internship Program, located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and served as CFO/COO for various commands for which he has received numerous accolades and decorations. Ross is a graduate of the Army’s Command General Staff College and has been awarded the Senior Aviator badge, Air Assault badge, and Expert Field Medical badge. He and his wife Marsha have lived in Alaska for more than 30 years; the last 12 of which have been in Wasilla.

SAMMYE POKRYFKI

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Sammye joined the MSHF board in June, 2019. She is a lifelong Alaskan who has lived in the Mat-Su Borough for more than 36 years. She was senior vice president at the Rasmuson Foundation until 2017, where she worked for 12 years. Currently she works as a consultant and adjunct faculty member in the University of Alaska Anchorage Honors College. Previously, Pokryfki was executive director of United Way Mat-Su and Denali KidCare rural outreach coordinator for Chugiak Children’s Service. She has also served as a volunteer leader on nonprofit boards, government boards and commissions, blue ribbon committees, and in soup kitchens, domestic violence shelters, faith communities, mentoring programs, recreational events, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Pokryfki holds a master’s degree in social work and two bachelor’s degrees, one in social work and one in English literature, all from University of Alaska Anchorage.

HILARY STARK

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Hilary Stark joined the MSHF board in June 2023. She was born and raised in the Mat-Su Borough and has a background in both healthcare and public safety. Hilary has spent the last decade serving the State of Alaska working for the Department of Corrections in various roles including finance, budget management, and as an administrative officer overseeing various departments within Mat-Su Pretrial. Prior to her state service, Hilary was employed in the private sector, working in hospitals and nursing homes as a certified nursing assistant. She previously has volunteered with several agencies and nonprofits around Alaska, including Palmer Pioneer Home and Hope Community Resources. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Alaska with a focus on public health programs and psychology. While in school, she was a recipient of Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarships.

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center “Category A”

Five seats on the 10-seat Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (MSRMC) Board of Directors are filled by Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) representatives. These “Category A” Board Members help set the mission, vision and values of the hospital. They look critically at what services are needed for the Borough’s fast-growing population and ensure that public education programs and charity care levels match community need. The MSHF seats on the MSRMC board are held by MSHF President/CEO Elizabeth Ripley, Bill Finley and MSHF board members Dr. Barb Doty, Greg Jones, and Teri Namtvedt.

DR. BARB DOTY

MEMBER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Barb Doty is a board certified family physician who has completed fellowships in Medical Education and Faculty Development, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine and Rural Health. She joined the MSHF board in June 2021. Barb has more than 40 years of experience studying, contributing to and working in healthcare. She is presently a WWAMI-Alaska assistant clinical dean with the University of Washington School of Medicine. Barb is currently a member of the Mat-Su College Advisory Board and has served different groups in many capacities in the past including as Board Chair for Mat-Su Behavioral Health, assembly member for the Mat-Su Borough and as a federal appointee on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in 1977 and has since attended many educational programs at a range of institutions including the University of Washington, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Colorado and the University of Arizona.

BILL FINLEY

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

Bill serves as the chief financial officer for Mat-Su Health Foundation, where he is responsible for all fiscal and fiduciary aspects of the organization. He was elected to the MSRMC board in 2023. Bill’s nonprofit leadership experience spans over 20 years and across several states, including Alaska, California, and Colorado. He fosters change through innovation, collaboration, communication, and sound financial management. For 10 years, Bill served in executive leadership roles overseeing transitional living, addiction treatment, and senior services. And for the past 11 years, Bill served as CFO for a variety of charitable organizations, including at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado and Salvation Army Alaska Division. With over 20 years as a highly effective operator and nonprofit financial expert, his management philosophy is that money always follows mission. Bill has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado Christian University. He has served on various boards throughout his career.

GREG JONES

Member, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors

Greg joined the MSHF board in June, 2020. His work experience has ranged across entrepreneurship, organization building, management of both large and small organizations, and public policy. Greg served as the interim CEO for the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and was subsequently appointed a trustee. He is a member of the Connect Mat-Su Steering Committee and has previously served on the boards of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission, Anchorage Board of Examiners and Appeals, Special Olympics of Alaska, Alaska Academic Decathlon, Anchorage Home Builders Association, Great Land Trust and the Covenant House Site Selection Committee. He attended the University of Alaska and graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1970.

TERI NAMTVEDT

SECRETARY-TREASURER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Teri was selected to rejoin the MSHF board of directors in 2015. She previously served on the MSHF board from June, 2006 – May, 2011, including a term as board chair in 2010. Teri also serves on the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Category A board of directors, a position she has held since September, 2009. Teri has owned Namtvedt and Company CPAs Inc. in Wasilla since 2006. Prior to that she served as chief financial officer at the Alaska Sea Life Center, as well as interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Mat-Su Heath Services. Teri has volunteered with the Anchorage Ski Club/Arctic Valley, various equestrian organizations and on a Catholic Social Services advisory group. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

ELIZABETH RIPLEY

PRESIDENT AND CEO, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

Elizabeth Ripley arrived in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Borough with a vision to build upon its community strengths and make it a healthier place to live. Today, as President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), she leads initiatives to do just that. The MSHF has developed a comprehensive, asset-based strategy to improve health outcomes, focusing on the areas of greatest concern to the community itself.  In a unique structure, MSHF co-owns the for-profit Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, the foundation is strategically combining hospital governance with philanthropy and advocacy to create lasting, systemic change.  Previously Elizabeth held positions in the healthcare industry, including hospice, volunteer management, marketing, hospital foundation development, and hospital administration.  She has served on the board of directors of The Foraker Group, Philanthropy Northwest, and Grantmakers in Health. Elizabeth earned a Master of Arts degree in religion from Yale Divinity School and a bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Western Maryland College.

 

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