Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has welcomed Danielle Reed as its new director of data and impact and announced the promotions of  three team members, Megan Ernst, Chelsea Hedrick and Brian Tiefenbrun.

In the role of director of data and impact, Reed lends her insight and experience to help address complex issues, facilitate discovery and inform prevention-focused solutions underlying the foundation’s work. She serves as a key thought partner and strategist supporting the organization to grow and adapt over time and will evaluate the impact of the foundation’s initiatives. Before joining the MSHF team Reed spent 13 years working at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Center for Human Development in a range of roles including most recently that of director of community services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Michigan Technological University, as well as a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Wright State University in Ohio and a master’s degree in business administration from UAA.

Ernst was promoted to R.O.C.K. Mat-Su program manager with a focus in systems-change. In this role she  is part of the team providing backbone support to the R.O.C.K. Mat-Su cross-sector partnership. She is responsible for engaging and managing community partners working collectively to create transformative change in the secondary and tertiary prevention systems that influence children and families in the Mat-Su. Ernst has been with R.O.C.K. Mat-Su since July 2020 as systems coordinator. She previously worked at UAA where she was student conduct and ethical development coordinator. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from UAA.

Chelsea Hedrick was  promoted to Connect Mat-Su projects and partnerships coordinator. In this role she works to identify and execute opportunities for Connect Mat-Su systems-level projects and partnerships. Hedrick has been with Connect Mat-Su since April 2021 as community resource specialist. Before joining the team full-time, Hedrick held a temporary role coordinating Connect Mat-Su’s COVID-19 information line. Prior to that she worked as a project coordinator with Bozeman Green Build and the Madison River Foundation. She holds an Associate of Applied Sciences in fisheries technology and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Alaska.

Brian Tiefenbrun was promoted to Connect Mat-Su operations manager. In this role he provides oversight and stabilization to the daily operations of Connect Mat-Su while supporting the infrastructure needed to deliver high quality information and referral services. Brian has been with Connect Mat-Su since February 2020 in the roles of community resource specialist and operations coordinator. He was previously an investigator for the Office of Children’s Services where he focused on clients struggling with trauma and substance abuse. Tiefenbrun is a veteran of the U.S. Army and has also worked at North Star Behavioral Health. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from American Military 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 healthymatsu.org