Voices

Alaska Primary Care Association Announces Appointment of Executive Director

ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Primary Care Association (APCA) board and staff have announced the appointment of Nancy E. Merriman as their Executive Director, effective January 21, 2013. Ms. Merriman brings to the APCA a lifetime of achievement and development in the health care community in the local, state, and national arenas.

Most recently serving as the Senior Program Manager for the Denali Commission, Ms. Merriman distinguished herself by serving as the designated policy lead for the White House Rural Council, and was the author of the Denali Commission's Annual Performance and Accountability Report; additionally, she managed the Commission's Health Facilities Program. Prior to that, she worked for the Municipality of Anchorage as the DHHS Planning Manager. She has served as both a member and as Chair of numerous distinguished health care specific committees and advisory groups within the state of Alaska.

Originally from California, Ms. Merriman attended college in California and Arizona and achieved a B.A in Community Nutrition (Summa cum Laude) and a M.P.H. and M.B.A. (both Magna cum Laude). Like many Alaskans, she came to Alaska after college and decided to stay.

Merriman's vision of the future is one of "Health Equity for all Alaskans". She believes passionately in the role our members must play in the future of healthcare and has stated that our mission should reflect a commitment "to enhance access to excellent, comprehensive, patient-centered primary health care through effective community health centers."

The Alaska Primary Care Association was established in 1995 with a mission to work to promote, expand and optimize primary care access for all Alaskans, including the underserved. The APCA, with staff and contractors, provides vital services and technical assistance to support members in offering quality, cost-effective care.

AK Primary Care Assn. press release

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