The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) Board of Directors welcomed five new members effective June 16, 2025: Mat-Su residents John Brown, Simon Brown, Matthew Dungan, Daniel Graham, and Jennifer Rinaldi. The board is responsible for mission-based leadership and strategic governance of the Mat-Su Health Foundation and its joint ownership/governance of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, LLC. Incoming board members join current board chair Lisa Wade and board members Tammy Bruce, Marisa Chud, Raelynn Danielowski, Dr. Barb Doty, David Eller, Greg Jones, Ross Newcombe, and Hilary Stark.

“We have exciting new leadership emerging in our board room and within the Foundation,” said Esther Pitts, MSHF President and CEO. “The board plays a significant role in the strategic direction and governance of the Foundation and the relationship with Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. As we continue pursuing improved health across the borough, a strong, intentional, and multifaceted board is essential to our mission. These new board members have deep roots in the Mat-Su and a passion to see our community thrive, not only today but well into the future. I am thrilled to collaborate with them in the months and years ahead.”

Recruitment focused on building board capacity and experience in the areas of education and school administration, hospital governance, and public service. Through the recruitment process, candidates were individually assessed, identifying existing board strengths and key opportunities to increase subject matter expertise. The appointment of these new board members underscores the commitment of the Foundation to comprehensively address the varied needs of the Mat-Su Borough.

“We have been fortunate to continually welcome visionary and community-minded members to our board,” said MSHF Board Chair Lisa Wade. “The Mat-Su Valley is exceptional because of our residents—from Willow and Big Lake to Sutton and Chickaloon. Our responsibility to the community requires us to select the best candidates to advance our mission. John, Simon, Matthew, Dan, and Jennifer offer fresh perspectives and professional skills that will enhance the Foundation’s ability to meet the unique and diverse needs of the Mat-Su.”

John Brown specializes in Mat-Su education, spending over 35 years in a variety of roles, including teacher, principal, and coach. In 2021, he retired as principal of Mat-Su Central School and has served on the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education since 2020. With his immense knowledge and first-hand experience, Brown offers a strong background in education to MSHF.

Simon Brown comes from a long career in public service and emergency preparedness. He held leadership positions at both the statewide and local levels. Currently serving as the Commanding General of the Alaska State Defense Force, he leads statewide operations to ensure units are trained, equipped, and ready to respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, and other emergencies. Brown deeply values fairness and collaboration, both values that continue to serve the Foundation well.

Matthew Dungan is an epidemiologist and public health professional specializing in substance misuse prevention and opioid use disorder (OUD) initiatives. He currently serves as a Public Health Specialist II for the Alaska Department of Health, overseeing statewide programs aimed at reducing opioid misuse and overdose deaths. His work reflects a deep commitment to community safety and wellness, with over a decade of experience in health program management, grant oversight, and community-driven initiatives.

Daniel Graham relocated to the Valley after spending 15 years in Healy, Alaska. He has lived, learned, and worked in the state since 1983. Graham has incredibly valuable experience in engineering, project management, and high-level leadership. He brings a problem-solving, systems-level way of thinking to the Foundation.

Jennifer Rinaldi is a lifelong Alaskan who made the Mat-Su her permanent home in 2008. Retiring in 2022 as a school principal, Rinaldi remains deeply committed to supporting educators at all stages of their careers—from pre-service teachers to experienced administrators. Jennifer has served on several local boards, including Big Lake Trails, Big Lake Library Advocates, and the Matanuska-Susitna Library Board. With her background, she is committed to improving the lives of children and families living in the Mat-Su.

Service on the MSHF Board is on a volunteer basis. Board members serve an initial three-year term, and each term may be renewed for two additional three-year terms. More information is available at healthymatsu.org/about/board-of-directors.

 

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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,