Leavenworth-based Cascade Medical Center CEO Diane Blake has been elected board chair of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). As chair, Blake will preside over the Board of Directors and help lead the hospital association’s work for the coming year. WSHA hospital and health system members elected Blake during the association’s Oct. 28 installment of its Annual Meeting eSeries.
“The WSHA board boasts a diverse representation of leadership, with a mix of rural and urban perspectives,” Blake said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work together with all leaders to continue to build understanding and collaboration, all in service to the communities we are a part of.”
“WSHA is fortunate to have Diane Blake stepping into the role of Chair,” said outgoing WSHA Board Chair, William G. “Bill” Robertson, MultiCare President and CEO. “Over the past several years, she has served well as WSHA’s treasurer and chair-elect and will now bring her considerable skills, perspectives and gracious approach to the role of chair. I look forward to working in support of Diane as she leads the WSHA Board.”
“One of the elements of this opportunity I’m most looking forward to is working more closely with other leaders and the great team at WSHA,” Blake said. “Big or small, rural or urban, we all share a mission of taking care of patients and communities. When we stay connected, we not only work together, but we learn from each other.”
Blake also said she can’t wait to take the lessons she will learn over the next year and use them to create better health care opportunities for all in Washington. “This is a chance not only to lead, but also to learn and use those insights to benefit everyone, from the people who seek care to the caregivers in our medical facilities.”
Blake’s term starts October 28th and runs for the following calendar year.
WSHA is the membership association for all the hospitals and health systems in Washington state. The association takes a major leadership role in issues that impact delivery, quality, accessibility, affordability and continuity of health care in both the policy and clinical arenas. It works to improve the health status of all residents.
About Diane Blake
Diane Blake earned her degree in Finance from Gonzaga University. She spent six years working as the accounting director and then controller at Leavenworth’s community-owned medical center before becoming chief financial officer. In her current leadership role as chief executive officer, Blake enjoys being part of the Cascade Medical team and working everyday with a talented group committed to quality, integrity and respect throughout all aspects of the organization to enhance the patient experience.
Blake works and plays in Leavenworth with her husband, Martin Straub. She loves being a part of an active, supportive community and all that the community’s outdoor recreation brings. Her favorites include tennis, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At home, she enjoys keeping up with her two grown children, cooking, gardening, writing and sharing cheerful conversation with family and friends.
About Cascade Medical Center
Cascade Medical Center is a nonprofit, community-owned, critical access hospital delivering extraordinary healthcare by taking more time with each patient and their families. Using state-of-the-art equipment, the medical center also provides physical, occupational and speech therapy, ambulance service, aquatic therapy, lab and screening services, emergency, acute/inpatient, and inpatient rehabilitation care.
About the Washington State Hospital Association
The Washington State Hospital Association advocates for and provides value to members in achieving their missions and improving the health of their communities. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state and military hospitals. The Quadruple Aim guides our members and our work as we strive to reduce the cost of health care and improve the patient experience, the clinician experience and the health of our communities. Visit www.wsha.org for more information.
