SEATTLE — The Washington State Hospital Association recently selected Andrew “Drew” Hooper, board chair and hospital commissioner at Summit Pacific Medical Center to receive the 2026 Ben Lindekugel Governance Excellence Award. The award recognizes Hooper’s leadership in hospital governance and advocacy for health care and patients across Washington state.
Hooper began his tenure as a hospital commissioner in 2008 and has served as board chair since 2014. During that time, he helped guide major milestones for Summit Pacific, including construction of a replacement hospital in 2013, the opening of a community wellness center in 2019 a hospital expansion currently underway in 2026.
“Drew Hooper exemplifies the kind of thoughtful leadership this award was created to recognize,” said Cassie Sauer, President and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association.
Hooper is a strong advocate for rural health, meeting with federal and state lawmakers to elevate the needs of rural hospitals and communities. A certified commissioner through WSHA, he has also contributed to governance education and served on WSHA committees.
“Drew is a dynamic elected official whose mission is to make our rural community healthier and stronger every single day,” said Summit Pacific CEO Josh Martin. “He challenges our organization to think beyond the traditional health care model and focus on transformation, well-being and population health.”
The Ben Lindekugel Governance Excellence Award was established in 2019 to honor a hospital board member or commissioner who demonstrates exemplary leadership and service. It is named for the late Ben Lindekugel, who was dedicated to strengthening hospital governance across Washington state.