(Panel: Cuts to Medicaid and Closing Rural Clinics and Hospitals)

Chris Chord

Chris Chord (He/Him) was born and raised in Skagit County and graduated from high school in Anacortes. He then completed a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at Brigham Young University, and a Master’s of Health Administration at Cornell University.

His interest in health care focused on payment model reform, population health, and value-based care programs. Prior to his role that brought him back to Washington, Chris served in many roles for Trinity Health System based in Michigan, ranging from Medicare/Medicaid innovation, digital health transformation, and managing a health innovation investment portfolio for the 100+ hospital system that served 27 different states.

Throughout his time at Trinity Health, Chris was most enthusiastic about programs that bridged medical systems with community voices to address the care needs of the community. As the Superintendent at Orcas Island Health Care District, a public hospital district serving Orcas Island, he has been able to work in his interest area. The hospital district has supported the finalization of a long-term service contract for their Rural Health Clinic, partnering with Island Health, launched a community based dental program focused on Medicaid and other uninsured patients, increased grants and support for community-based organizations, and is leading the development of a Community Health Network that brings together the three hospital districts and community resource centers across San Juan County to address healthcare access challenges in the rural county composed entirely of islands. Because of his background in Medicare/Medicaid innovation, Chris looks at most of his projects with long-term sustainability in mind, focusing on creating partnerships between health systems and community-based organizations.

In addition to his role as Superintendent, Chris also serves locally on the board for the Orcas Island Food Bank and regionally on the board for the North Sound Accountable Community of Health. Additionally, he is a Participation and Engagement Committee member of his Alaskan Native Corporation, Cook Inlet Region Incorporated (CIRI), where he is a shareholder of Unangax and Alutiiq descent. He has served in mentoring and other committee roles for his Alaskan Native community.