Author: Laura Bodolsky

The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) today announced the appointment of Erin Messmer as its Chief Communications Officer (CCO). In this role, Messmer will lead strategic communications efforts, including marketing, media, and public relations. She currently serves as the Director of Public Relations at MSHF and will assume her new role effective August 18, 2025.

“The Foundation is ready to embrace a fresh approach to communications with Erin leading the way,” said Esther Pitts, MSHF President and CEO. “She is passionate about the health of the Mat-Su, and her dedication to uplifting the work of the Foundation, our grantees, scholars, and community partners is unmatched. With her expertise in public health and social marketing, she will bring a new level of direction, innovation, and strategy to our communications.”

As the CCO, Messmer will ensure that all aspects of the Foundation’s communications amplify the mission of a healthier Mat-Su. Additionally, she will focus on building the MSHF communications team, leveraging her leadership experience to establish a cohesive, high-performing department.

“Communications for better health are my passion, and I could not be more honored to step into this role at the Foundation. Joining a leadership team that consistently makes meaningful impacts across the Mat-Su is a tremendous gift,” said Messmer. “Our region is such a unique place, and I am excited to dive deeper into its beauty through storytelling, communications, and relationships with our community and partners.”

Born in Juneau and raised in Seward, Erin is no stranger to the state’s unique communications landscape. Before joining the Foundation, Messmer was the director of client services at a full-service brand marketing agency in Anchorage, Alaska. Her communications expertise spans a multitude of fields related to health, including chronic disease prevention and health promotion, tobacco prevention and control, youth vaping cessation, public safety, cultural communications, behavior change messaging, and domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention. She has worked in partnership with Tribal, state and national organizations, including the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, Maniilaq Health Center, the Anchorage Police Department, and the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Messmer holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic and corporate communication from Chapman University.

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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.

The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Vandana Ingle in the role of Chief Community Impact Officer (CCIO). Ingle was selected from a diverse field of candidates following an intensive recruitment process that attracted over 70 applicants. With over 20 years of non-profit experience, her ability to align strategy with measurable outcomes, develop cohesive teams, and lead meaningful systems change set her apart in a field of strong contenders. She will transition fully into her new position on August 18, 2025.

“The Foundation is fortunate to welcome Vandana as our new CCIO. She is entrenched in our local community and is dedicated to serving the Mat-Su not only in her professional life but as a community member as well,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO of the Foundation. “Vandana approaches each new challenge with curiosity and a tenacity that will continue to support our mission of health and wellness for all Valley residents. Our staff, community partners, and grantees are thrilled to continue working with her in this new capacity.”

As the CCIO, Ingle will lead the Foundation’s programmatic and philanthropic work. She will support MSHF teams tasked with grantmaking, scholarships and workforce development, and data collection and analysis, and provide oversight for Foundation programs, such as Connect Mat-Su, a local resource and referral hub, and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness), which is focused on promoting family resilience and reducing child maltreatment in the Mat-Su Borough. Vandana joined the Foundation in 2016 as a program associate, advancing to program officer and then senior program officer over her tenure.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role here at the Mat-Su Health Foundation. I want to continue working closely with our partners to ensure our community members feel heard, supported, and included in the great work being done in the Valley,” said Ingle. “The Mat-Su has been home to me for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping all residents find a sense of belonging and genuine wellbeing here in the borough.”

Ingle moved to Mat-Su in 2012. Before her work at MSHF, Vandana served as Executive Director of Frontline Mission, a community-based food distribution center. She holds an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University, a bachelor’s degree in commerce and finance from the University of Pune, and an additional degree in ministry. She also completed extensive academic work in communications and media with a focus on tailored communications for children. She recently received the “Friend of Nightingale” award presented by Nightingale College in Utah, honoring her efforts in strengthening the nursing workforce in the state of Alaska.

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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.

Wasilla, Alaska – Thrive Mat-Su Coalition (Thrive) has been honored with the 2025 Bert Hall Award for Commitment to the Health of the Community. The “Bertie” is presented annually by the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) to an individual or group that consistently exemplifies commitment to improving the health and wellness of Mat-Su residents. Thrive, along with United Way of Mat-Su and Youth 360, was presented with the award at the MSHF Annual Meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025.

“Mat-Su youth are a core focus for the Foundation and our community partners,” said Esther Pitts, MSHF President and CEO. “Thrive, United Way of Mat-Su, and Youth 360 have been working collaboratively across our region to create positive impact on local systems and support for youth. Because of this phenomenal work, our youth are growing up in an environment with greater access to social connectivity, healthy activities, and programs that support their critical developmental years.”

Thrive was established 18 years ago with the goal of reducing youth substance misuse and improving community wellness in the Mat-Su Borough. Youth 360 is committed to providing safe and invigorating environments for young people to explore, study, and flourish. Together, Thrive and Youth 360 have built a system of positive youth development through a collaborative approach. They coordinate and promote a variety of out-of-school opportunities in the Mat-Su. They work with numerous community partners—including faith-based organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, behavioral health providers, school districts, volunteers, and other coalitions—to serve Mat-Su Borough youth and make long-term investments in their well-being. Thrive, along with Youth 360, are both under the umbrella of United Way of Mat-Su.

“We are deeply honored to be selected for the Bert Hall award,” shared Stephanie Allen, United Way of Mat-Su Executive Director. “It means so much to United Way of Mat-Su, Thrive, and Youth 360 to be recognized for our commitment to Mat-Su youth and families. We have such incredibly joyful jobs. It truly is a blessing to get to work with youth, families, and fantastic community partners. Thank you so much to Mat-Su Health Foundation for this recognition and award.”

The Bert Hall Award is named in honor of Mat-Su resident Bert Hall, who helped put together the Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Bert has served Alaska in many capacities, including as a Mat-Su Regional Medical Center board member, associate director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, director of health and social services for the Municipality of Anchorage, and as the Alaska liaison to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bert also served as president of the Alaska Public Health Association, represented Alaska on the Governing Council of the American Public Health Association, and served on the Alaska Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

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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, the MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital and protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution through board oversight. The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org/.