Author: Cherry Wolf

  • MSHF Names Ashley Peltier as Director of Philanthropy

    MSHF Names Ashley Peltier as Director of Philanthropy

    Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has named Ashley Peltier as Director of Philanthropy, effective May 4. In her new role, she will oversee and provide strategic leadership to the MSHF Philanthropic team. The philanthropy team works alongside local nonprofit organizations seeking grants that support projects, provide resources, and build capacity to improve the health and wellness of Mat-Su residents.  

    “Ashley has a thoughtful and forward‑thinking vision for philanthropy and how our team can continue to grow, collaborate, and refine our strategy,” said Vandana Ingle, Chief Community Impact Officer at MSHF. “She will continue to strengthen our grantmaking, deepen alignment across departments, and support a cohesive, high-functioning team environment.”  

    Peltier brings 15 years of experience in community health, systems collaboration, and strategic program development, including six years with the Foundation. Most recently serving as Director of Connect Mat-Su, she led the program from concept to implementation, strengthening partnerships across healthcare, social services, philanthropy, and community organizations to improve outcomes for Mat-Su residents.

    Prior to joining the Foundation, Peltier served as Director of Programs with the American Lung Association, where she focused on health promotion, advocacy, and statewide partnership development, leading advocacy efforts and implementation of the Alaska State Fair’s smokefree policy and Alaska’s Smokefree Workplace law. She also brings experience in Tribal health, having spent portions of her professional career at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation. 

    “I’m excited to step into this new role at such a critical time,” Peltier said. “As MSHF moves forward, I’m committed to bringing greater clarity to our priorities, strengthening accountability in how we invest, and focusing on meaningful, measurable impact that improves the health of the community I call home.” 

    Peltier’s appointment underscores MSHF’s commitment to thoughtful, place-based, and mission‑driven philanthropy and strong internal leadership. As Director of Philanthropy, she will work closely with staff and community partners to ensure investments are aligned, effective, and responsive to community priorities. In her free time, Ashley loves to golf, travel, and spend time with her husband and their pets. 

  • Learning in Motion: What We Brought Home From 675 Miles Across Texas

    Learning in Motion: What We Brought Home From 675 Miles Across Texas

    Earlier this year, a team of Mat-Su Health Foundation staff and board members traveled more than 675 miles across Texas, visiting organizations in Austin, San Antonio, McAllen, and Houston. Over the course of several days, they met with nine different groups—three peer health foundations and six community‑based organizations—each offering a unique perspective on what it takes to support health across large, diverse regions. 

    Although the landscapes and views are different, many of the challenges feel familiar.

    Central Texas has a great deal in common with the Mat-Su: large rural service areas, communities spread across wide geographies, and the need for systems that meet people where they are.

    This visit provided an opportunity to learn how others are engaging community voice, investing in economic mobility as a core health driver, and shifting systems toward long-term, generational change.  

    A Clear Purpose from the Start 

    “This was not a trip to compare ourselves to others, nor to seek prescriptive answers. Rather, it was an opportunity to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect on what resonates and challenges us here at Mat-Su Health Foundation,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO, Mat-Su Health Foundation.  

    “The insights we gathered will help inform our collective thinking as we look ahead to the future and the work we do.” 

    This spirit of curiosity guided board members and staff through every visit. By traveling together, board and staff were able to hear directly from peer foundations that have restructured their strategies, deepened community engagement, and embraced upstream investments with patience and clarity. 

    Why Texas Made Sense 

    Texas offered a window into what it looks like when foundations pair local knowledge with long-term strategy. Many of the organizations visited have spent years shifting power toward communities, moving away from transactional funding models, and focusing on systems rather than individual programs. 

    For the Mat-Su Health Foundation team, it was encouraging (and at times challenging) to see how other regions are approaching the slow, steady, upstream work; work that often goes unseen but leads to lasting change.  

    Many of the foundations the team met with invest not only in services, but in relationships, shared infrastructure, and the capacity of communities to build solutions from within. The experience raised important questions for the work at MSHF and strengthened the commitment to grounding decisions in community voice. 

    Learning that Shifts Perspectives 

    Throughout the trip, participants found themselves reflecting on what it means to create lasting, upstream change in the Mat-Su. The conversations in Texas prompted the group to think more deeply about pace, focus, and how strategy can support long-term community wellbeing. 

    Board member Hilary Stark noted how the experience connects with the insights emerging from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). 

    “Our time with peer foundations, paired with the recently published CHNA, offered more than information; it offered perspective,” Stark said. “This moment asks for something deeper than adjustment or refinement. It asks for discernment.” 

    Her reflection underscored themes that surfaced for many on the trip: that health is shaped long before someone enters a clinic; systems change takes patience and clarity; and foundations can play a powerful role by strengthening connections across communities. 

    Moving Forward with a Deeper Connection 

    This learning trip wasn’t about immediate solutions. It was about planting the seeds of ideas, questions, and possibilities that will guide the Foundation into the next chapter. 

    “This trip really brought to life one of MSHF’s organizational values that I appreciate: respect,” said trip organizer Telsche Overby, Associate Director of Community Engagement. “To me, respect shows up most clearly in our commitment to continuous learning. We’re making sure our decisions are grounded in what’s true and effective, and that we’re checking our thinking with the community along the way. I’m excited about how these insights will carry forward as we continue to lean more into community-driven approaches.” 

    What the team brought home from Texas was a renewed sense of direction and a deeper commitment to community-guided, upstream work. The organizations visited serve as a reminder that lasting change rarely comes from doing more; it comes from doing the right work, with greater intention, humility, and alignment. 

    As MSHF looks toward the future, it aims to continue growing into an organization that strengthens systems, invests in the conditions that support wellbeing, and helps build a healthier Mat-Su for generations to come. 

    Special thank you to Texas Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (TACHI), Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA),  St. David’s Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Episcopal Health Foundation, and the Houston Economic Growth Collaborative. 

    Photos courtesy of Jacob Camman, SALT

  • MSHF Awards More than $2.9 Million in Academic Scholarships to 561 Local Mat-Su Residents

    MSHF Awards More than $2.9 Million in Academic Scholarships to 561 Local Mat-Su Residents

    Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) will award 561 Mat-Su residents more than $2.9 million to pursue higher education in the fields of health and human services. MSHF’s academic scholarships aim to grow the Valley’s healthcare workforce while reducing students’ financial burden for education. Individual awards range from $2,000 to $9,000 and fund attendance at both in- and out-of-state universities.

    “The Mat-Su is experiencing exponential growth. With more residents, including an increasing aging population, our healthcare workforce needs to keep pace,” said Vandana Ingle, Chief Community Impact Officer at MSHF. “These scholarships help Mat-Su residents gain the education and expertise they need to best care for people, and help solidify a pathway into long-term, meaningful work.”

    Started in 2008, the Foundation’s scholarship program has consistently adapted to the ever-growing population of the Mat-Su. This year marks the highest number of applicants and the highest amount of funds awarded. The needs-based program is designed to aid students who might not otherwise have access to higher education opportunities.

    “The passion and perseverance of our scholarship recipients is truly inspiring,” said Adelina Rodriguez, MSHF’s Scholarship Program Officer. “These career fields are vital to the well-being of our communities, and we are honored to play a role in supporting student growth and the development of Mat-Su’s workforce.”

    Scholarship recipients reflect a wide range of educational goals and backgrounds. While some are just starting their academic journeys as incoming college freshmen, others are active in their professional fields. Of the 561 recipients, 51% are renewing their scholarships to continue their education in health and human services.

    An unwavering dedication to Alaska’s future is clear: 62% of this year’s awardees, over $1.8 million in scholarships, will attend in-state institutions. Every dollar MSHF returns to Mat-Su and Alaska has significant direct and indirect economic benefits, including job creation and support for local businesses, government, and families.

    The health and human services fields are filled with strong employment opportunities and career pathways, provide purposeful work for residents, and foster economic mobility. Scholarship recipients span across the entire borough, with career pathways ranging from nursing, behavioral health, and diagnostic services to early childhood education, public health, and special education.

    In addition to academic scholarships, applications for vocational, professional development, and training scholarships are open year-round. For more information about the MSHF scholarship program, visit www.healthymatsu.org/how-we-fund/scholarships.

  • New Logos and Brand Refresh Reflect Growth, Resilience, and Community Connection

    New Logos and Brand Refresh Reflect Growth, Resilience, and Community Connection

    Mat-Su Health Foundation has debuted a refreshed brand identity, including new logos for the Foundation and its programs, Connect Mat-Su and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su. The update reflects the organization’s evolution and pivotal role in supporting long-term community health across the Mat-Su Borough. The project, initiated in 2023, was completed with input from community stakeholders and partners, as well as a dedicated refresh team composed of MSHF staff.

    “Intentional time and passion were dedicated to translating our mission into a refreshed visual identity,” said Erin Messmer, Chief Communications Officer of MSHF. “Our updated look reflects the growth of our work and our place-based nature, and will continue to guide our role in the community as a Foundation, program partners, and a team committed to supporting a healthier future for the Mat-Su.”

    The intensive process was guided by a commitment to mission and honoring the unique Mat-Su community. Each new logo draws inspiration from the natural environment and the values that guide the Foundation’s place-based work.

    Mat-Su Health Foundation Logo

    • The Mat-Su Health Foundation logo reflects resilience, steadfastness, and enduring impact. It is inspired by the ever-present fireweed plant, an integral part of Alaska’s landscape.

    Connect Mat-Su Logo

    • The Connect Mat-Su logo, influenced by the trees that cover the Mat-Su Borough, emphasizes steadfast connection and access. It symbolizes how people, organizations, and resources create strong roots to help residents grow and thrive.

    ROCK Mat-Su Logo

    • The R.O.C.K. Mat-Su logo highlights collaboration and care. With the heart carried over from the previous logo, R.O.C.K.’s new mark reinforces the program’s focus on children, families, and collective impact.

    The three refreshed designs were created as a cohesive visual system that is more modern, approachable, and adaptable, while holding fast to the Foundation’s mission and roots in the Mat-Su.

    “Our work at the Foundation is deeply tied to this place we serve,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO of MSHF. “Throughout this refresh process, we kept coming back to the importance of connection and belonging in our community. Our new logos and color palettes reflect the mission, vision, and values that guide every part of our work. Mat-Su is our home, and we are committed to helping it grow and flourish for all present and future residents.”

    The new logos are now being rolled out across digital platforms, print materials, and community resources. Partners and stakeholders who need updated logo files or brand assets are encouraged to reach out. To learn more about the story behind the new look, visit www.healthymatsu.org/refresh. For logo requests or additional information, contact updates@www.healthymatsu.org.

  • MSHF Announces Landmark $1.69 Million Grant to Sustain School Nursing Services; Protect Student Access to Care

    MSHF Announces Landmark $1.69 Million Grant to Sustain School Nursing Services; Protect Student Access to Care

    Mat‑Su Health Foundation (MSHF) announced the approval of a landmark $1.69 million one‑time grant to the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) to sustain the district’s current nurse‑to‑school ratio for one year. The grant was approved during a special meeting of the MSHF Board of Directors on March 11, 2026, and will be brought before the school board for their approval on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

    “This is a mission-aligned commitment to student health and educational success in the Mat‑Su,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO of Mat‑Su Health Foundation. “When students have consistent access to health professionals during the school day, they are healthier, attend school more consistently, and are better able to learn. This grant fills a temporary but critical gap, ensuring our students have access to the care they need. At the end of the day, it’s about how we’re showing up for our youth.”

    As the MSBSD faces a $22.5 million education budget deficit, this one-time investment ensures that students, particularly those in the district’s 30 Title I schools, continue to have reliable access to essential health services during the school day. This funding will support the continued delivery of school health services across the district, allowing the district to maintain continuity of care while it identifies long-term, sustainable funding solutions. School health staff are pivotal supports not only for students but also for teachers and families, playing a critical role in the school health ecosystem.

    “The Board feels strongly that protecting access to school health services is vital for student wellbeing and for our community as a whole,” said Lisa Wade, Chair of the MSHF Board of Directors. “We are grateful to be in a position to respond to an urgent need while reinforcing a core principle: philanthropic dollars should enhance, not replace, long-term public education funding.”

    This one-time grant from the Foundation has only one ask: that the funds be used specifically for school nurses. The Foundation has also offered support in assessing current systems and collaborating on solutions that improve care. Both MSHF and Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent of the MSBSD, are focused on developing effective, long-term plans to ensure students’ health concerns are adequately addressed in schools.

    “The support from Mat‑Su Health Foundation means our students will continue receiving essential health services during a period of significant need,” said Dr. Trani. “While we navigate a number of funding challenges, this grant provides the district essential time to maintain student access to health services and reimagine a system that is sustainable well into the future.”

    MSHF will continue working closely with MSBSD, state partners, and community stakeholders to support collaborative, long-term pathways for student health and wellness.

  • New Community Health Needs Assessment Identifies Shared Priorities for Improving Well-Being in the Mat-Su

    New Community Health Needs Assessment Identifies Shared Priorities for Improving Well-Being in the Mat-Su

    Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), in partnership with Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (MSRMC), has published the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a comprehensive, community-informed report on the health and well-being of residents in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

    Completed every three years, MSHF and MSRMC partner with community members, service providers, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to assess local health conditions and to identify top health priorities in the Mat-Su. The 2025 CHNA was guided by a 24-member steering committee of community leaders and informed by input from more than 1,700 residents through surveys and focus groups.

    “The CHNA helps ensure our work is grounded in data, community voice, and accountability,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO, MSHF. “It reflects what we heard directly from our region, including what people love about the Mat-Su, what’s getting better, where challenges remain, and where focused, coordinated action can make the greatest difference.”

    The 2025 CHNA combines quantitative data with community input and storytelling to provide a clear, actionable picture of current strengths and needs, and emerging challenges across the borough. The assessment identifies six health priorities that represent interconnected conditions influencing health and quality of life in the Mat-Su. As a next step, MSHF and MSRMC will work collaboratively to develop the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), translating CHNA findings into shared strategies and actions.

    “We were intentional about collaborating and collecting data in a way that reflects our full community,” said Danielle Reed, Director of Evaluation and Learning, MSHF. “By actively listening through surveys and focus groups, combining that with population data, and then sharing the results broadly, we’re giving our partners a valuable tool they can use to respond to real, local needs.”

    The CHNA is a shared resource for the community and can be used to strengthen grant applications and funding strategies, coordinate cross-sector planning and partnerships, and inform policy decisions, infrastructure investments, and service expansion. Community members, organizations, and decision-makers are encouraged to review the findings and use the data to inform planning, collaboration, and action.

    The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment is now available on the Mat-Su Health Foundation website. MSHF will host public presentations to share CHNA findings and discuss significance for the community; dates and details will be announced soon.

  • Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes Csesalie Bates as New Chief Adminstrative Officer

    Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes Csesalie Bates as New Chief Adminstrative Officer

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Csesalie Bates as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), following a nationwide search. A Mat-Su Valley resident, Bates emerged as a mission driven leader who has a strong belief in building systems to help support Alaskans achieve their best life. She will lead internal operations, administrative strategy, and enterprise-wide systems that support the Foundation’s mission to improve the health and wellness of Mat-Su residents.

    “Csesalie brings powerful healthcare administration experience combined with expertise in building operational efficiency to our organization,” said Esther Pitts, MSHF President and CEO. “These qualities, along with her missional alignment perfectly situates her within the Foundation’s strategic direction, making her a phenomenal addition to our team.”

    Prior to joining MSHF, Bates held a senior leadership role in the healthcare sector where she led operations for three Class A healthcare facilities and supported more than 100 employees across clinical and administrative teams. Her leadership contributed to year-over-year organizational growth and meaningful community outcomes, including expanded diagnostic access, strengthened patient navigation programs, and oversight of major capital projects that improved local healthcare capacity.

    Bates holds a Bachelor of Business Management and has guided teams through system enhancements and organizational change. She has implemented high-impact tools and workflows that increase efficiency, transparency, and staff engagement. Her leadership approach consistently centers people, collaboration, and strong working relationships.

    “Strong internal systems are essential to achieving lasting community impact,” said Csesalie Bates, MSHF CAO. “I’m focused on building the operational clarity, alignment, and support our team needs to do their best work for the Mat-Su community.”

    Throughout her career, Bates has been recognized for her commitment to creating environments where people feel supported and equipped to excel. As a long-time resident of the Mat-Su Valley, Bates is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s work in the community she and her family call home. In her free time, she enjoys coaching her children’s soccer teams and recreating outdoors.

  • MSHF Expands Scholarship Eligibility, Opens 2026 Academic Scholarship Application Period

    MSHF Expands Scholarship Eligibility, Opens 2026 Academic Scholarship Application Period

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) announced today an expansion of eligibility requirements for its scholarship programs, a mission-critical investment designed to strengthen educational access for Mat-Su residents across the borough. The expansion, approved last month by the MSHF Board of Directors, relaxes scholarship eligibility guidelines, significantly increasing access to postsecondary education for formerly ineligible applicants.

    “This expansion reflects the MSHF Board’s commitment to advancing our mission and removing barriers to education,” said Adelina Rodríguez, MSHF Scholarship Program Officer. “By aligning our eligibility criteria with federal student aid standards, we are able to reach students who have the talent and drive to succeed but may face financial obstacles.”

    The scholarship program, including academic, vocational, and professional development scholarships, is a cornerstone of MSHF’s work, demonstrating sustained organizational commitment and prudent stewardship. The Board of Directors’ approval of this eligibility expansion underscores the program’s importance and the organization’s strategic focus on long-term impact.

    “Our board recognizes that access to higher and continuing education is a powerful driver of workforce development, economic mobility, and overall health,” shared Vandana Ingle, MSHF Chief Community Impact Officer. “This decision reflects thoughtful governance and our shared belief that increasing access to education ultimately strengthens our entire Mat-Su community.”

    MSHF Academic Scholarships provide funding specifically for undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in the healthcare and human services fields. Career fields include nursing, early childhood or special education, behavioral health, allied health, medical assisting, sonography, radiologic technology, and more. Students attending in- or out-of-state schools are eligible if they have been a Mat-Su resident for at least a year. In 2025, the MSHF Academic Scholarship program supported 489 Mat-Su students with $2.6 million in awarded scholarships. The expanded eligibility is expected to increase the number of qualified applicants and further the program’s reach.

    Applications for the 2026 MSHF Academic Scholarships are now open through March 5, 2026. Information sessions will be held at the Mat-Su Health Foundation on January 8, January 22, February 5, and February 19. Details, complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at www.healthymatsu.org. For additional assistance, call (907) 352-2863 or email scholarships@www.healthymatsu.org.

  • R.O.C.K. Mat-Su Honors Julie Hubbard with 2025 R.O.C.K. Star Award

    R.O.C.K. Mat-Su Honors Julie Hubbard with 2025 R.O.C.K. Star Award

    Pictured left to right: Nikki Maidl, Julie Hubbard, Mariah Johnson

    R.O.C.K. Mat-Su is proud to announce Julie Hubbard as the recipient of the 2025 R.O.C.K. Star Award, recognizing her dedication to improving the lives of children and families throughout the Mat-Su.

    A consistent champion of innovative ideas and meaningful community connections, Hubbard has been deeply involved in R.O.C.K. Mat-Su’s Community Baby Showers and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness efforts. Her leadership, creative insight, and ability to foster strong community relationships have strengthened these programs and expanded their reach across the region.

    Hubbard’s involvement within the R.O.C.K. Mat-Su collaborative network continues to grow through her active role in partner meetings, where she often serves as a trusted, effective co-host. Her steady presence and commitment to partnership have helped strengthen coordination among local organizations working to support children and families.

    Beyond her ongoing contributions, Hubbard has been a powerful advocate for addressing foster care placement challenges in the Mat-Su. Her efforts to raise awareness about the number of children placed outside the borough—due to a shortage of local foster homes—have drawn critical attention to an urgent community need. Through her advocacy, she continues to champion solutions that support the stability and well-being of the borough’s most vulnerable children.

    “We are honored to recognize Julie with this year’s R.O.C.K. Star Award,” said Jessica Clarkson, Associate Director for R.O.C.K. Mat-Su. “Her passion, commitment, and unwavering advocacy have made a meaningful difference in the lives of families across our community. We are grateful for all she has done, and continues to do, on behalf of Mat-Su children.”

    R.O.C.K. Mat-Su and the Mat-Su Health Foundation extend heartfelt congratulations to Julie Hubbard on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the continued positive impact of her work in the community.

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    About R.O.C.K. Mat-Su: R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Children with Kindness) Mat-Su is cross-sector collaborative of organizations, individuals, funders, and state agencies that support healthy, resilient families in Mat-Su. Utilizing the Collective Impact Framework, R.O.C.K. Mat-Su works toward a vision where all Mat-Su children are safe, healthy, and thriving. Mat-Su Health Foundation serves as the backbone organization by providing dedicated staff and infrastructure to support the work of the collective. More information is available at rockmatsu.org.

    About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su, and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.