New Team Members, New Transitions, and an A+ Scholarship Team
The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is happy to welcome new team members and celebrate the role transition of two others.
Mahlet Herrmann is MSHF’s new accounting systems manager. Jessie Burbank has transitioned to a new role as program associate and Kelsey Anderson is now the program executive assistant on the grantmaking team.
Mahlet Herrmann has joined the MSHF team as the new accounting systems manager. She brings a diverse background of experience, including prior work as a case manager at True North Recovery and four years in the United States Marine Corps where she worked in financial administration. Herrmann has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American Military University.
Jessie Burbank transitioned to a new role as a program associate on the grantmaking team, where she manages the target wellness grants which fund health and wellbeing projects up to $25,000. She also administers the technical assistance program, connecting Mat-Su organizations with support in areas like accounting, fundraising and capital project planning. For three years, Burbank served as Connect Mat-Su’s community resource specialist and information and referral coordinator. She graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in women’s studies.
As the new program executive assistant, Kelsey Anderson will assist the chief community impact officer with board support, project management, and system enhancements. Prior to this role, Anderson served two years as a program assistant. She brings previous experience in agriculture and other administrative roles, including at a nonprofit that served children with developmental disabilities.
An A+ Scholarship Team
Our scholarship program has experienced significant growth over the years; 2024 was no exception. With more than $2.6 million awarded to 436 academic scholarship recipients earlier this year and continuous interest in our vocational scholarships, we now have two staff dedicated to the scholarship program’s year-round success.
Adelina Rodriguez is the new scholarship program officer. She has 16 years of experience in higher education and brings an extensive background in student-centered services, strategic program development and management, financial aid expertise, recruitment, and career development. Rodriguez has taught courses at Mat-Su College to support student success. She has a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in curriculum instruction from New Mexico State University.
Erin Bendle joins MSHF as the new scholarship associate, where she will conduct community outreach and provide vital support to the program. Bendle graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s in social work and a minor in drug and alcohol studies. During the early part of her career she worked with young people as an inpatient drug and alcohol counselor and then transitioned into working with adults experiencing chronic mental illness. More recently, she worked in youth and family services at the Wasilla Public Library.
WASILLA, ALASKA – The Mat-Su Health Foundation announces that Elizabeth Ripley will transition from her role after serving 16 years as President and CEO. She has led the foundation’s efforts to improve the health and wellness of all Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. Board Chair Lisa Wade said that Ripley’s departure, which is expected to occur in 2025, has been a long-planned transition. Ripley will remain in her position until a successor is identified to help ensure a smooth transition for the foundation.
After leaving her position, Ripley will continue to serve on the governance board of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center on behalf of the foundation. She is committed to maintaining the hospital’s ability to respond to the needs of Mat-Su’s growing population with high quality healthcare.
The Healthy Aging Focus Area at the Mat-Su Health Foundation would like to invite organizations serving older adults (60+) and/or tribal Elders in the Mat-Su to apply for grant funding.
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.
Wasilla, Alaska — As part of its ongoing commitment to creating a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life, the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) awarded 27 grants to local nonprofit organizations that support the multitude of factors that contribute to individual and community health in August and September 2023. These organizations serve a variety of needs in our community, such as addressing food insecurity with Mat-Su youth, bringing health fairs to residents living in the Upper Su and Wasilla, and building affordable workforce housing. All the grants will support their work in creating a healthier Mat-Su.