Category: Featured

Wasilla, Alaska — Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Angela Cox as interim chief communications officer. Cox replaces longtime CCO Robin Minard who retires after nearly a dozen years of service. Cox brings 20 years of communication and nonprofit leadership experience to the role. She joined MSHF on Feb. 1, 2024.

“With a background in strategic communications, health and philanthropy, Angela is well-suited to step into this interim position and keep our work moving along,” said MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “After having steady leadership in this area for so long, it’s assuring to know there will be a high level of continuity in our communications work.”

Cox leads the Foundation’s marketing and communications and is charged with not only sharing MSHF opportunities and impact, but also telling the stories of partners and grantees and the incredible work they do across the Mat-Su.

Cox joins MSHF after six years at Rasmuson Foundation where she served as vice president of external affairs. Prior to that, she worked as vice president of administration at Arctic Slope Native Association, a tribal health organization based in Utqiagvik, Alaska. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Washington State 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.

Wasilla, Alaska — Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Esther Pitts in the role of Chief Community Impact Officer. Pitts was selected from a diverse field of candidates following a comprehensive nationwide search process conducted by The Foraker Group. Her ability to provide strategic guidance, collaborative team development, and data-driven, growth-oriented systems change made her the top candidate in a competitive field of applicants. She assumed her new position on Nov. 29, 2023. Another member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team, Robin Minard, is retiring in January 2024 after having served as the Foundation’s Chief Communications Officer for more than 11 years.

Pitts leads the Foundation’s programmatic and philanthropic work and supports the teams responsible for grantmaking, scholarships, data collection and analysis, and programs including Connect Mat-Su and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness). She also co-leads the Foundation’s health equity initiatives in conjunction with the chief operations officer.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to fill this crucial role with a talented leader who is also a proud Mat-Su resident,” said MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “Esther’s talent, experience, and passion for creating a healthier community will help take the Foundation to a new level of impact.”

“Being in the position to make a positive impact in the community where my family lives is a dream come true,” said Pitts. “I look forward to leading a dynamic team of professionals, all of whom are committed to achieving the mission of improving the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su.

Pitts brings 11 years of nonprofit hospital leadership experience to the Foundation. Her background includes risk management, patient safety, human resources, program development, and direct service operation. Prior to accepting her new role Pitts served as the Executive Director of Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services Administration. She earned a master’s degree in business administration with a minor in healthcare leadership and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, both from Capella University.

The search process for a new Chief Communications Officer will begin in the new year. “We have been fortunate to have someone of Robin’s expertise leading our communications, marketing and public policy work for more than a decade,” said Ripley. “Her leadership, energy and positive outlook have helped drive the Foundation’s mission forward.”

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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.