Category: Press Release

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 www.healthymatsu.org.

The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Vandana Ingle in the role of Chief Community Impact Officer (CCIO). Ingle was selected from a diverse field of candidates following an intensive recruitment process that attracted over 70 applicants. With over 20 years of non-profit experience, her ability to align strategy with measurable outcomes, develop cohesive teams, and lead meaningful systems change set her apart in a field of strong contenders. She will transition fully into her new position on August 18, 2025.

“The Foundation is fortunate to welcome Vandana as our new CCIO. She is entrenched in our local community and is dedicated to serving the Mat-Su not only in her professional life but as a community member as well,” said Esther Pitts, President and CEO of the Foundation. “Vandana approaches each new challenge with curiosity and a tenacity that will continue to support our mission of health and wellness for all Valley residents. Our staff, community partners, and grantees are thrilled to continue working with her in this new capacity.”

As the CCIO, Ingle will lead the Foundation’s programmatic and philanthropic work. She will support MSHF teams tasked with grantmaking, scholarships and workforce development, and data collection and analysis, and provide oversight for Foundation programs, such as Connect Mat-Su, a local resource and referral hub, and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness), which is focused on promoting family resilience and reducing child maltreatment in the Mat-Su Borough. Vandana joined the Foundation in 2016 as a program associate, advancing to program officer and then senior program officer over her tenure.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role here at the Mat-Su Health Foundation. I want to continue working closely with our partners to ensure our community members feel heard, supported, and included in the great work being done in the Valley,” said Ingle. “The Mat-Su has been home to me for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping all residents find a sense of belonging and genuine wellbeing here in the borough.”

Ingle moved to Mat-Su in 2012. Before her work at MSHF, Vandana served as Executive Director of Frontline Mission, a community-based food distribution center. She holds an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University, a bachelor’s degree in commerce and finance from the University of Pune, and an additional degree in ministry. She also completed extensive academic work in communications and media with a focus on tailored communications for children. She recently received the “Friend of Nightingale” award presented by Nightingale College in Utah, honoring her efforts in strengthening the nursing workforce in the state of Alaska.

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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 – Thrive Mat-Su Coalition (Thrive) has been honored with the 2025 Bert Hall Award for Commitment to the Health of the Community. The “Bertie” is presented annually by the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) to an individual or group that consistently exemplifies commitment to improving the health and wellness of Mat-Su residents. Thrive, along with United Way of Mat-Su and Youth 360, was presented with the award at the MSHF Annual Meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025.

“Mat-Su youth are a core focus for the Foundation and our community partners,” said Esther Pitts, MSHF President and CEO. “Thrive, United Way of Mat-Su, and Youth 360 have been working collaboratively across our region to create positive impact on local systems and support for youth. Because of this phenomenal work, our youth are growing up in an environment with greater access to social connectivity, healthy activities, and programs that support their critical developmental years.”

Thrive was established 18 years ago with the goal of reducing youth substance misuse and improving community wellness in the Mat-Su Borough. Youth 360 is committed to providing safe and invigorating environments for young people to explore, study, and flourish. Together, Thrive and Youth 360 have built a system of positive youth development through a collaborative approach. They coordinate and promote a variety of out-of-school opportunities in the Mat-Su. They work with numerous community partners—including faith-based organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, behavioral health providers, school districts, volunteers, and other coalitions—to serve Mat-Su Borough youth and make long-term investments in their well-being. Thrive, along with Youth 360, are both under the umbrella of United Way of Mat-Su.

“We are deeply honored to be selected for the Bert Hall award,” shared Stephanie Allen, United Way of Mat-Su Executive Director. “It means so much to United Way of Mat-Su, Thrive, and Youth 360 to be recognized for our commitment to Mat-Su youth and families. We have such incredibly joyful jobs. It truly is a blessing to get to work with youth, families, and fantastic community partners. Thank you so much to Mat-Su Health Foundation for this recognition and award.”

The Bert Hall Award is named in honor of Mat-Su resident Bert Hall, who helped put together the Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Bert has served Alaska in many capacities, including as a Mat-Su Regional Medical Center board member, associate director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, director of health and social services for the Municipality of Anchorage, and as the Alaska liaison to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bert also served as president of the Alaska Public Health Association, represented Alaska on the Governing Council of the American Public Health Association, and served on the Alaska Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

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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, the MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital and protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution through board oversight. The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org/.

Wasilla, Alaska – Elizabeth Ripley, President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Terrance Keenan Leadership Award in Health Philanthropy by Grantmakers In Health (GIH). This prestigious national honor recognizes grant makers whose work is distinguished by leadership, innovation, and outstanding achievement in the field of health philanthropy.

Ripley will be formally recognized at the 2025 GIH Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was nominated by her colleagues at MSHF, with support from Lisa Wade of the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. In selecting Ms. Ripley, this year’s GIH committee members were particularly impressed with her courage to take risks, adapt to complex challenges, and champion bold initiatives, while also serving as a tremendous mentor to those in the field of philanthropy.

“To be nominated and chosen to receive this award is a tremendous testament to the continued work of MSHF. Without the partnerships, relationships, and community support the Foundation established, perhaps only a fraction of our accomplishments could have been realized,” said Elizabeth Ripley, President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation. “While this honor may have my name attached to it, it is our community, grantees, scholars, local and statewide government partners, co-funders, and resilient Valley residents who have made these bold changes to health and well-being possible. I share this award with each and every one of them.”

Since assuming leadership of MSHF in 2008, Ripley has transformed the organization into a national model for innovative and impactful health philanthropy. Under her guidance, MSHF has aligned hospital governance with community health priorities to drive measurable, systemic improvements in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Key accomplishments during Ripley’s tenure include:​

• Helping found the joint venture that built and launched Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, ensuring that hospital revenue remains within the community.​
• Spearheading advances in local behavioral health, including the addition of a behavioral health wing at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and support for initiatives like Mat-Su Crisis Now, the High Utilizer Mat-Su (HUMS) program, and the creation of the Mat-Su Crisis Intervention Team Coalition, which trains first responders in appropriate crisis response methods.
• Advocating for local policies to support public health, including increased access to healthcare, especially behavioral health, and lowering costs through Medicaid expansion and key legislation.
• Leading MSHF’s strategic focus on systems improvement, care coordination, and addressing social determinants of health through community engagement and data-driven initiatives.​
• Ripley’s leadership has also extended beyond MSHF. She served on the board of The Foraker Group from 2010 to 2019, where she helped the state’s nonprofit association expand its fiscal agency, increase its advocacy and research, and strengthen the nonprofit sector across Alaska.

As Ripley prepares to retire officially on April 30, 2025, her legacy of transformative leadership and dedication to community health will continue to influence health philanthropy in Alaska and nationwide.

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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—Following a rigorous nationwide recruitment effort, Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has selected Esther Pitts to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pitts is a long-time Alaskan, Mat-Su resident, and currently serves as the Chief Community Impact Officer (CCIO) at MSHF. She will succeed retiring CEO Elizabeth Ripley and formally step into the role on May 1, 2025.

Ripley announced last year that she would retire to spend more time with family, travel, and explore other community opportunities. In anticipation, MSHF Board of Directors (Board) engaged with The Foraker Group to lead a thoughtful and thorough selection process. The search spanned the nation, garnering interest from over 75 applicants. Through a series of complex and intensive interviews, the Board narrowed the field, and Pitts emerged as a unanimous choice.

“Throughout the interview process, Esther consistently demonstrated the community-centered values that are at the heart of our organization,” said MSHF Board Chair Lisa Wade. “We had the privilege of reviewing many highly qualified candidates from across the nation, but at every key moment, Esther stood out—not only for her impressive healthcare experience but also for her authenticity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing the MSHF mission. She truly embodies our organization’s values, and we are excited to see her lead and thrive as our next President and CEO.”

Pitts is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare, nonprofit governance, government contracting, and small business management. Having lived in Alaska since 1991 and in Wasilla since 2015, she has a deep personal connection to the community and a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of its residents. With a proven background in building strategic partnerships, leading cross-functional teams, and managing complex community projects, Pitts has played a key role in driving positive health outcomes in the state.

“Our team at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (MSRMC) is excited to welcome Esther as she steps into her new role as President and CEO,” said MSRMC Interim CEO James Bunch. “Her extensive background in healthcare and unwavering dedication to Alaska and its communities make her the perfect choice for this role. We are confident in her vision and look forward to working together to make Mat-Su the healthiest borough in the state.”

Pitts holds a master’s in business administration with a focus on healthcare leadership and a bachelor’s in business administration, both from Capella University. She is a Certified Professional Healthcare Risk Manager (CPHRM) and holds certifications in human resource management. She also supports her community through board service with Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API), All Alaska Pediatric Partnership (A2P2), Best Beginnings, and Mat-Su College Advisory Council.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and lead an organization that continues to make a lasting impact in the Mat-Su,” said Pitts. “This community is my home, and it is a dream realized to lead an organization so vital to the health and well-being of our residents. I am humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with our community and partners, working together to build a healthier, brighter future for all who call the Mat-Su home.”

Wasilla, Alaska—The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Senator David Wilson as its new Director of Public Policy. Wilson, who served eight years in the state senate, brings a wealth of experience in public service and policy advocacy.

Senator Wilson has a distinguished record of service to the Mat-Su Valley and the State of Alaska. His extensive background in legislative affairs, fiscal responsibility, and his deep understanding of the healthcare landscape will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su.

“We are thrilled to welcome Senator Wilson to our team,” said MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley, “His dedication to public service and his deep understanding of healthcare policy will be instrumental in advancing our goal to measurably improve the health of the Mat-Su population.”

In his new role, Senator Wilson will lead the Foundation’s public policy efforts, working closely with local, state, and federal stakeholders to advocate for policies that advance health, well-being, and equity.

“I am honored to join the Mat-Su Health Foundation and contribute to its work,” said Senator Wilson. “I look forward to collaborating with the MSHF’s dedicated staff and our partners to create positive, lasting change in our community.”

In addition, the MSHF has recently welcomed Erin Messmer as the Director of Public Relations. Messmer is a seasoned communications professional who has developed communications and public relations campaigns at the local, regional, and state levels. She has worked alongside some of the largest Tribal organizations and state agencies to advance public health initiatives that improve the lives of Alaskans.

“Much of our work is centered around community and our relationships with Mat-Su residents,” said Ripley. “With Erin’s expertise, we look forward to strengthening our connections with the public and our constituents.”

Senator Wilson and Messmer join the MSHF as the organization expands to better serve the Valley through philanthropy, community engagement, policy and advocacy, and vital systems change.

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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.