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.

“The list of Elizabeth’s accomplishments for the foundation and the community is long,” Wade said. “When she started her role in 2008, we made nearly $3 million in grants. Today we have a clear mission, defined program and focus areas, and this year will award over $20M. More importantly, we have seen measurable progress in reaching our goal to become the healthiest borough in Alaska.”

Major successes of Elizabeth’s leadership include:

• Helping to establish the joint venture that built and launched Mat-Su Regional Medical Center to meet growing healthcare needs and keep hospital revenue in the community
• Spearheading advances in local behavioral health, including the addition of the behavioral health wing at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and support of initiatives like Mat-Su Crisis Now and the creation of the Crisis Intervention Team Coalition and its many positive impacts
• Advocating for local policies to support public health, including increased access to healthcare, especially behavioral healthcare, and lowering healthcare costs through Medicaid expansion and key legislation
• Establishing the foundation as a critical source of data and reports for local providers and organizations, giving them the information they need to guide their work and gain funding
• Dramatically increasing the local healthcare workforce through the foundation’s academic and vocational scholarship programs
• Founding Connect Mat-Su, which makes it easier for Mat-Su residents to access local services, and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su, a collaborative that promotes family resilience and reduces child maltreatment

Ripley says she will miss working with friends and colleagues across the state but will especially miss working side-by-side with those who call the valley home. “We have amazing individuals and organizations in our community who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in the Mat-Su,” Ripley said as she described the foundation’s role in the region. “I think of the coalition of people who are changing the way we respond to those having a behavioral health crisis. I think of community leaders, the talented staff and volunteers who give way beyond a typical 9 to 5 to ensure the most vulnerable among us have access to education, housing, and healthcare. I think of public servants who go the extra mile to ensure our basic needs and beyond are met.”

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.

“This role for me has been my vocation,” Ripley shared. “I’m so grateful for the trust put in me by that board who hired me 16 years ago and for all the board members since who have supported me. I will miss my meaningful work at the foundation and especially our talented, caring staff who are all in on our mission, but I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my family, travel, and explore other interests in the community.”

Wade emphasizes that foundation programs including grants, sponsorships, and scholarships will all continue during the transition and under new leadership. “The board deeply appreciates all that Elizabeth has done for the foundation and the Mat-Su community,” Wade said. “With her vision, dedication, and hard work, Elizabeth has positioned us for a new phase of growth. We are confident in the foundation’s future and thank Elizabeth and the entire staff for all they have done and will continue to do for our Mat-Su communities.”

The Board of Directors has engaged The Foraker Group to help lead a thoughtful and thorough selection process which will begin later this year.

 

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About Mat-Su Health Foundation

The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. Through 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 healthymatsu.org.