Betsy Larson named SWACH Executive Director

The Board of Trustees of Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) is pleased to announce that Betsy Larson has been selected as SWACH’s next Executive Director, effective May 26.

Founded to advance health equity across Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties, SWACH brings partners together to improve community health and well-being through collaboration, innovation, and shared solutions.

Larson brings a career rooted in systems change, cross-sector collaboration, and community impact. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Community Partnerships at Mat-Su Health Organization in Alaska, where she coordinated more than 70 partner organizations across health, human services, and government around shared goals to strengthen families and improve community well-being. In that role, she led strategy, supported financial stability, and helped guide partners through changing conditions while keeping the work focused on outcomes and community need.

She also served as Executive Director of Northern Susitna Institute, building experience in nonprofit leadership, board partnership, organizational strategy, cross-sector collaboration, operations, and risk management. Throughout her career, Larson has demonstrated a strong commitment to partnership, equity, and community-informed leadership.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Betsy Larson as SWACH’s new Executive Director,” said Jackie Esperance, President of the SWACH Board of Trustees. “Betsy brings thoughtful executive leadership, a strong background in systems-level work, and valuable experience with the 1115 waiver in Alaska. Her knowledge and approach make her well-positioned to lead SWACH as we continue building partnerships and advancing health equity across our region.”

As Executive Director, Larson will lead SWACH’s strategic direction, partnerships, and long-term sustainability as the organization continues supporting community health improvement, care coordination, and equity-centered initiatives across Southwest Washington.

Reflecting on the new role, Larson said, “It’s clear to me that SWACH’s staff, board, and partners have built a strong foundation. I’m eager to bring my experience in sustaining long-term partnerships to SWACH as it enters its next phase.”

SWACH also thanks Nichole Peppers for her leadership and service to the organization. Peppers concluded her tenure at the end of 2025 and now serves as the first Executive Director of the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health.

Betsy Larson