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 healthymatsu.org.