FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Kay Clunies-Ross
WSHA VP, Membership and Communications
marykaycr@wsha.org; 206/216-2894
Davidson served Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Health for 37 years
SEATTLE – Gregg Davidson, who served Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Health for 37 years, was awarded the prestigious Joe Hopkins Memorial Award for outstanding leadership by the Washington State Hospital Association in Seattle on October 14.
“Gregg Davidson is a champion for improving access to health care in rural areas of our state,” said Julie Petersen, interim CEO of Kittitas Valley Healthcare, who nominated Davidson. “Mr. Davidson is a visionary leader with respect to health care in the region, the state and nation. Mr. Davidson has shown this through his professional dedication and willingness to serve at all levels from mentoring students to advocating to Congress on behalf of quality health care for all.”
The Joe Hopkins Award is named after the former hospital association chair and hospital administrator who lost his battle with cancer in 1987. The award was created in honor of Hopkins’s outstanding leadership and special qualities of warmth, persistence, insight, hardworking attitude and humor. Winners are chosen by a committee of past winners who are seeking to recognize those who represent the Hopkins leadership, commitment and spirit. Hospital CEOs, administrators, trustees and commissioners are eligible to nominate, and the final selection is made by previous winners of the award.
“Gregg has really shown how even mid-sized hospitals can bring in a wide variety of services, specialties and community programs to a region,” said Scott Bond, WSHA President and CEO. “He’s also shown how rural and public hospital districts can take meaningful leadership roles in the key issues of our time: mental health, equity of care, and end of life decision-making. He has really raised the bar.”
“As many hospital boards are finding, the market for health care executives is a national one,” said Ben Lindekugel, executive director of the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts. “So it’s very rare to have an executive of Gregg’s caliber with the kind of deep roots in the community that he has. The Skagit Valley is growing rapidly, and Gregg’s understanding of the community has helped ensure that everyone has access to high-quality care.”
About Gregg Agustín Davidson, FACHE
Mr. Davidson served as Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer of Skagit Regional Health/Public Hospital District No.1 since 2003. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington and a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Davidson is a Board Certified Healthcare Executive and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is ACHE Regent for State of Washington.
Mr. Davidson has served on many boards, including: Past President of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, Past President of the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts, American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board delegate, and Seattle University, EMBA-Healthcare Advisory Committee. He has also served on other health and civic boards including President of Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Hospice of the Northwest, Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Catholic Community Services, American College of Healthcare Executives Credentials Committee, ACHE Regent Advisory Council for Washington State, President of Skagit Rotary Club, Chairman of the City of Mount Vernon Planning Commission, President of Immaculate Conception Regional School Board, and is a mentor with the University of Washington Graduate Program in Health Administration.
He completed his term as Chair of the Washington State Hospital Association yesterday.
Currently he serves as Chair of the Washington State Hospital Association Board of Trustees, President of Research and Education Board/Leadership Skagit, Chair of American College of Healthcare Executives-Higher Education Committee, National Forum for Latino Healthcare Executives, Northwest Workforce Council, University of Washington Master in Health Administration Advisory Council, Washington State Healthcare Executive Forum board member and Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee.
About WSHA
The Washington State Hospital Association works to improve the health of all Washington state residents by being active on key issues of policy and quality. 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 Triple Aim guides our members and our work, as we strive to improve the patient experience, improve the health of populations and reduce the cost of health care. Visit www.wsha.org for more information.
