SWACH Staff Updates

SWACH is also pleased to share that a new Executive Director has been hired. A full story introducing our new leader, including background and next steps, is featured elsewhere in this newsletter.

Emily Zak Joins SWACH as HealthConnect Community Engagement Coordinator

SWACH is pleased to welcome Emily Zak as HealthConnect Community Engagement Coordinator.

Emily has spent her career working with vulnerable populations and brings a strong background in community support, communications, and equity-centered work. As a permanent addition to the HealthConnect team, she brings four years of experience in resource navigation, abuse reporting, and crisis de-escalation, along with 10 years covering social equity as an award-winning journalist, editor, and copywriter, primarily as an independent business owner.

Before joining SWACH permanently, Emily specialized in serving seniors and people with disabilities at 211info, where she supported more than 5,000 clients with complex needs across Oregon and Southwest Washington. She also co-organized a grassroots LGBTQ+ community group in New Mexico and led communications efforts for AIDS Walk Northwest.

Emily is returning to SWACH after serving in a temporary capacity for nearly a year, where she supported agency referrals, project management, and community engagement across three departments. Her experience, community-centered approach, and familiarity with the organization make her a strong addition to the HealthConnect team.

SWACH is excited to welcome Emily into this role and looks forward to the continued impact of her work.