Founded in 2013, Jefferson Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the excellence of our region’s medical services through charitable contributions and community involvement – so that more patients can find the care they need right here at home, and not have to travel hours away when they are ill and at their most vulnerable. We know that people heal best with their families, loved ones, and support networks nearby.
Our purpose is to develop philanthropic funds through donations, grants, special events, capital campaigns, and planned giving – in support of the projects and programs of our public hospital. As a small, rural, "critical access" hospital system, Jefferson Healthcare has limited funds for capital needs and other special expenses. Generous giving to the Foundation directly addresses these needs – to provide local access to advanced medical treatments, state of the art medical technology, and the best in preventative medical care.
In recent years, donors to Jefferson Healthcare Foundation empowered the purchase of a 3-D mammography machine and a nuclear camera. Together our community helped bring Cardiac Rehabilitation back to Jefferson County, sponsored a new infant warmer for our Family Birth Center, and raised funds for echocardiography at our annual Well Hearts Luncheon.
Please join us with your financial support today – to give more people the opportunity to receive their care in Jefferson County.
Our Board of Directors
Marie Dressler, RN, was born, raised, and educated in England, where she became a registered nurse and certified nurse midwife. Residing in Jefferson County since 1981, Marie was employed for 26 years by the hospital district, working as a registered nurse and primarily providing direct patient care to mothers and babies in the Family Birth Center. After taking early retirement in 2008, she continues to contribute to the health and well-being of Jefferson County residents as a hospital commissioner. She is a dedicated patient advocate throughout her career.
Stephanie Gale, Wealth Manager, Gale Investment Management. Bio coming soon.
Shary Irwin grew up in San Diego and went on to race sail boats on San Francisco Bay for a decade. She worked for several sail lofts and opened her own sail repair business. In the early 1980s, Shary moved to Jefferson County and became a volunteer firefighter/ EMT and was elected as Fire Commissioner. She is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse at Jefferson Healthcare for 25 years until retiring in 2013. She is delighted to continue to be a part of the Jefferson Healthcare team through her philanthropic work with the Foundation.
Beulah Kingsolver, Executive Director, Dove House Advocacy Services. Bio coming soon.
Kelly Liske is First Federal's Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. She is responsible for direction and management of commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending; commercial and consumer deposit products; and non-deposit investments. Kelly advances the Foundation through her deep knowledge of our region and its culture, from individuals to local businesses and nonprofit organizations. She resides in Port Hadlock with her husband and children and is active in the community.
Lanny Turay has been in the healthcare system in pharmacy management for over 40 years. Prior to coming to Jefferson Healthcare as Director of Pharmacy in 2014, he worked as a Pharmacy Director at Ballard Community Hospital and Swedish Medical Center and served on the Ballard Foundation board for 9 years. Lanny greatly enjoys working and living in Port Townsend with his wife, Lisa. He is an avid sailor and is also involved in Port Townsend’s music community.
Brian Vervynck began his career in healthcare in 1975 following his service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Brian began his college work at the University of Washington and graduated from Western Washington University. He also completed an executive graduate program from UCLA. Over the last forty-plus years, he has held a variety of senior management positions with leading and start-up companies in healthcare products and healthcare medical management. These organizations developed and operated wellness programs, case management programs, chronic condition management programs, and utilization review as well as predictive analytics. Brian has also served on a variety of healthcare and community related boards and committees.