MSHF Stories

Stories

7 Jan at 13:53

Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes Csesalie Bates as New Chief Adminstrative Officer

The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Csesalie Bates as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), following a nationwide search. A Mat-Su Valley resident, Bates emerged as a mission driven…

18 Dec 2025

R.O.C.K. Mat-Su Honors Julie Hubbard with 2025 R.O.C.K. Star Award

Pictured left to right: Nikki Maidl, Julie Hubbard, Mariah Johnson R.O.C.K. Mat-Su is proud to announce Julie Hubbard as the recipient of the 2025 R.O.C.K. Star Award, recognizing her dedication…

24 Jul 2025

Mat-Su Health Foundation Appoints Erin Messmer As Chief Communications Officer

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,…

16 Jul 2025

Mat-Su Health Foundation Selects Vandana Ingle as Chief Community Impact Officer

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…

12 Jun 2025

Thrive Mat-Su Coalition Receives Bert Hall Award For Improving Youth Resources in Mat-Su

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…

30 Apr 2025

Elizabeth Ripley to Receive 2025 Terrance Keenan Leadership Award

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…

25 Mar 2025

Mat-Su Health Foundation Announces Esther Pitts as President and Chief Executive Officer

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…

13 Feb 2025

Lake Louise Snowmachine Club: Good Times on Groomed Trails

Nothing beats the beauty of Lake Louise. The Lake Louise area, with its cabins and trails, is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, longtime residents, and seasonal visitors to the…

4 Feb 2025

Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes Two New Directors to Strengthen Policy and Public Relations

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…

11 Dec 2024

Meet the Connectors at Connect Mat-Su

Connect Mat-Su was established by the Mat-Su Health Foundation in response to the community expressing a need for access to essential services. The Foundation’s Community Health Assessment, a survey of…

7 Aug 2024

A Staff Update: New Team Members, New Transitions, and an A+ Scholarship Team

From left to right: Mahlet Herrmann, Kelsey Anderson, and Jessie Burbank. New Team Members, New Transitions, and an A+ Scholarship Team The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is happy to welcome…

11 Jun 2024

Mat-Su Crisis Response Team Receives Bert Hall Award for Commitment to Community Health

Bert Hall, sitting center, with representatives from the Mat-Su Crisis Response Team and Mat-Su Health Foundation. Wasilla, Alaska — Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) announced yesterday that it awarded the Mat-Su…

24 May 2024

Healthy Smiles Forever

A smile a day keeps the doctor away. The mere act of smiling can lift one’s mood, lower stress, boost the immune system and even prolong one’s life. Yet, for…

A cohort of Crisis Intervention Team graduates

29 Mar 2024

Enabling first responders to better support those in crisis

Today, an innovative, community-based training program is equipping first responders in the Mat-Su to support people experiencing behavioral health crises. While encounters between people in crisis and first responders may…

13 Dec 2023

Celebrating its Namesake: Wasilla High School Strengthens Community by Learning Local History

Members of the Knik Tribal Council take a photo with the new Chief Wasilla statue at Wasilla High School. KTC worked closely with the high school to ensure the legacy…