Des, as he likes to be called, has worked at the intersection of the healthcare and public health communities throughout his career (see Bio below), specializes in growing organizations, and definitely speaks the language of public health.  We are very excited to have him provide the leadership of WSPHA at this time.  His hiring was approved unanimously by the Board at its January meeting, and his work with us began on February 1st.  In the months ahead, you will have an opportunity to meet Des and to share your ideas about WSPHA, its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.  I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities.  In the meantime, Des can be reached at dskubi@comcast.net.

Desmond Skubi has worked to expand access to health care services and reduce health inequities for 25 years.  In addition to serving was Executive Director of the Washington State Public Health Service, he provides consulting services in strategic, operational and business planning, facilitation, project and interim management.  Desmond served as Executive Director of the Community Health Center of Snohomish from 1992 to 2001 during a period of rapid growth in which patient visits grew from 19,000 to over 82,000 annually.  From 1998 to 2001, Desmond served as Chairman of the Board of the Community Health Plan of Washington which today serves over 225,000 enrollees.  He served on the Board of Directors of Adaptis, a for-profit computer services company.  Skubi is a Certified Nurse Midwife who directed maternity services at Indian Health Management Inc., a community health center on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation from 1982 to 1987 at General Hospital Medical Center in Everett Washington from 1987 to 1992.  He worked as a Registered Nurse on the Crow and Navajo Reservations.  Desmond holds a Masters degree from the University of Utah and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington , with degrees in nursing and anthropology.