Colleen Gullickson

GHC-SCW is unique in that we are both a health insurance company and health care delivery organization. I am currently the only elected board member with direct health care delivery experience. As a retired nurse practitioner, educator and Associate Dean of Nursing for Edgewood University, I am well-informed regarding the current challenges health care agencies face while seeking to improve the patient experience and overall health of diverse populations while reducing costs. I am equally well-informed about current practices designed to best respond to these issues while avoiding staff and provider burnout. As chair of the Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Committee, it is my role to actively engage board members with the critical work being undertaken by the health care delivery team of GHC-CSW. It has been a privilege and honor to serve on the Board of Directors for GHC-SCW since 2017. As a cooperative director, I strive to incorporate the seven cooperative principles in all that we do. As part of the governance team, I have developed my skills as a leader of the Board. I have served four years as Board Vice Chair and five years as Chairperson on the Quality, Safety and Patient experience Committee. I also serve on the Executive Committee, Board Development Committee and Governance committee. Serving on these committees is an excellent match with my knowledge, skills, and expertise. As Vice Chair I have worked with the Board Chair in developing a strong governance policy monitoring system and reporting that ensures accountability in Cooperative governance. This past year has brought attention to issues our organization needs to address, which will require experienced leadership on the board. Also, as a cooperative we need to ensure processes are in place that best facilitate representation of all our 68,000 members. Continued success for GHC-SCW is incumbent on creative thinking and problem solving, innovation and dedication to the organization’s Mission, Vision and Values. I hope to continue serving as a Board member and seek re-election to continue collaborating with a team of resolute individuals who support a common goal in the provision of outstanding, affordable and accessible health care.