Chief Communications Officer, Washington State Health Care Authority

Kennedy leads strategic communications for the Washington State Health Care Authority. Her team helps tell the story of the innovative programs and initiatives that aim to provide equitable access to high-quality, high-value care. She has also held a communication leadership role for the Oregon Assoc. of Hospitals & Health Systems and served as a reporter for the Oregon Health Forum covering health policy. LinkedIn Profile.

Associate Director, Internal Communications, Oregon Health & Science University

Kelsey’s nearly 20-year employee communications career spans both health care and veterinary care. She has led, managed and enhanced organizational internal communications strategy, collaborating with executives and leaders to support large-scale change management and institutional initiatives. Kelsey also is well-versed in crisis communications, events planning and workplace culture. She has a M.B.A. and B.A. in Journalism: Public Relations from University of Oregon. LinkedIn Profile.

Population Health and Engagement Manager, Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties

Working in healthcare for more than 20 years, Christine’s experiences include reproductive health, children’s health, academic research, and public health program administration. Christine currently works in communities, at the intersection of primary care services and public health. She aims to bring many perspectives together to create clear messages that empower people along their health journey. Christine is passionate about sharing information and telling stories in relatable ways for diverse audiences. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Oregon. LinkedIn Profile.

Communications Manager, CareOregon

Becca Thomsen has more than 15 years of experience in communications, public relations and public affairs. She currently leads internal and external communications for CareOregon, the state’s largest provider of Oregon Health Plan services. Prior to her current position, Becca worked as a communications consultant serving public and private sector clients in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. LinkedIn Profile.

Marketing and Communications Director, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center

In her role with Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (VG), Kasi has responsibility for all marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategy for the organization’s 18 clinics located in Washington and Yamhill counties. She also oversees all advocacy, policy and government affairs for the organization. Providing leadership and guidance around efforts focused on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Kasi has spent much of her 25+ years in marketing and communications working in the non-profit sector.  She understands the critical need that community-based organizations provide and is honored to be part of the great work happening in Oregon. Kasi also serves on several other community boards and advisory councils, ensuring the voices of those often marginalized are heard and included in the decision-making process.

LinkedIn Profile.

Communications Manager, Oregon Primary Care Association (OPCA)

Jordan is a PR and communications professional with a passion for storytelling. She is currently the Communications Manager, handling digital, social media, media relations, and grassroots outreach for Oregon Primary Care Association (OPCA), supporting Oregon’s community health centers. LinkedIn Profile.

Strategic Communications Specialist, PeaceHealth

Rivkela (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in communication and journalism. At PeaceHealth, she focuses on nursing communication and other topics that impact the nonprofit healthcare system’s 16,000 caregivers in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Before joining PeaceHealth, Rivkela led the communication strategy for the Oregon Primary Care Association, a membership association that supports Oregon’s community health centers. Rivkela began her career as a staff writer for the Albuquerque Journal, the state’s largest daily newspaper, covering the local business community. LinkedIn Profile.

Communications Strategist, Legacy Health

Christopher is a communications strategist specializing in provider relations and engagement at Portland-based Legacy Health. He is a focused leader skilled in forging relationships with clients, external organizations, and senior leaders. Christopher is a Baton Rouge, LA native who attended Louisiana State University and holds a BA in Communication Studies. He and his partner moved to the Pacific Northwest in March 2020 and work in the healthcare sector. With ten years of working directly with providers, Christopher brings experience in association management, grassroots lobbying and election strategy, physician membership recruitment and retention, and provider relations and engagement. In his spare time, he loves hiking with his five-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, Alfie, and enjoying the mild PNW summers. LinkedIn Profile.

Assoc. Vice President, National Communications, Providence

Alan is Assoc. VP for National Communication at Providence. He leads a diverse, multi-state communication team responsible for internal communication, public relations, issues management, labor relations and DE&I initiatives. Alan has also held senior marketing and communication leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. LinkedIn Profile.