Wasilla, Alaska — Following a nationwide search, the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Kesha T. Clinkscale as chief operating officer (COO). Kesha was selected from a broad field of candidates through a strategic and comprehensive nationwide search process conducted by The Foraker Group. She joined the Foundation team on August 15, 2023, and will be a critical partner to the Foundation’s CEO, executive leadership team, and board of directors.

“As a seasoned nonprofit executive in the healthcare field, Kesha has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for others,” said President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “We feel so fortunate to have found someone of Kesha’s caliber who is completely committed to helping the Foundation achieve its vison of a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.”

In her role as COO, Kesha will execute the management and operations of the Foundation and play a key role in the organization’s overall strategy development. She will design and implement a cohesive operational infrastructure that aligns to the organization’s mission and supports its growth.

“This role is truly a dream come true for me,” said Clinkscale. “My experiences and life journey so far have led me to this incredible opportunity to do great work, with great people in an even greater community. I’m excited about leveraging my extensive experience in healthcare administration, nonprofit management, and strategic philanthropy to support an organization that is already doing so much for the Mat-Su community.”

Clinkscale most recently served as vice president of culture and wellness at Habersham Medical Center in rural, northeast Georgia. Prior to that she held executive positions at large, small, and multi-national organizations and charitable foundations. She earned a Master of Public Administration at Troy State University, a Master of Health Administration at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, and a bachelor of arts in Africa and African Diaspora Studies at Tulane University.

###

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.