Washington State Hospital Association
Kelly Akers is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in strategic communications and public affairs. Currently serving as a Communications Specialist at the Washington State Hospital Association since June 2024, Kelly previously held the position of Senior Communications Specialist at the Downtown Seattle Association from October 2016 to June 2024, contributing to initiatives that enhanced the cultural and economic landscape of downtown Seattle. Prior experience includes roles as Principal at Exos Creative, developing marketing and creative production strategies, and Associate at Gogerty Marriott, where communication strategies for legislative clients were crafted. Additional roles included freelance media and campaign fundraising at The Allies Group, research and video production for the Washington State Coordinated Campaign, and earlier research assistance for Cantwell 2006. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications Management and a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Western Governors University, as well as an Associate's degree from North Seattle College.
Washington State Hospital Association
The Washington State Hospital Association is a membership organization representing community hospitals, health systems and several other health-related organizations. The association provides issues management and analysis, information, advocacy and other services. In 2005, WSHA launched the Patient Safety program to help hospitals improve patient safety by supporting the adoption of evidence-based protocols that have been proven to save lives. WSHA works to improve the health of the people of the state by becoming involved in all matters affecting the delivery, quality, accessibility, affordability and continuity of health care. As health care continues to be of vital importance for our communities, the mission of the state's first hospital and those that followed continues to be stronger than ever.... We care for the people who need us.