This month, we’re excited to welcome Washington State University (WSU) Spokane as the newest purchaser member of the Alliance.

Not only does WSU joining the Alliance help us extend our statewide reach and influence in eastern Washington, but they are also a nationally recognized research institution, bringing their expertise in health care to the Alliance.

We are also pleased to announce that Lisa J. Brown, Chancellor of WSU Spokane, is joining the Alliance’s board of directors. Ms. Brown was instrumental in WSU gaining legislative approval to seek accreditation for a second publicly-funded medical school in Washington state.

Prior to joining WSU in January 2013, Brown served the Washington Legislature for 20 years, first in the House and later in the Senate. In 2005, she became the first Democratic woman in the state to hold the position of Senate majority leader.

During her legislative career, Brown was a passionate advocate for health sciences education and research at WSU Spokane. She gained state support for medical education and advanced education in nursing, as well as for WSU Spokane’s new pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences building.

Brown also spearheaded a variety of other health-related initiatives. She led the effort to create the state’s Mental Health Parity Act of 2005, which improved the insurance coverage of mental health services for Washington residents.

We look forward to collaborating with Washington State University to drive the health care market to one that rewards value and to benefiting from the smart leadership that Ms. Brown’s appointment to the board of directors will bring.

Learn more about WSU.