OAKLAND, Calif., Jan 22: Kaiser Permanente has announced the appointment of Wendy Watson as the new president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals for the Northwest region, effective February 16, 2025. This leadership change follows the retirement of Jeff Collins, who served the organization for many years.
Key Points
1.
Oversees healthcare for 612,000 members in Oregon and Washington
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Promoted from chief operating officer role
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Recipient of multiple professional leadership awards
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Experienced healthcare executive with advanced degrees
With over three decades of experience at Kaiser Permanente of the Northwest, Watson will oversee the health care needs of more than 612,000 members in Oregon and southwest Washington. Additionally, she will manage dental care services for over 285,000 members in the region.
Watson's impressive career at Kaiser Permanente began in 1993. She has held various leadership roles, demonstrating her expertise in operations, care delivery, and hospital administration. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer, where she was instrumental in driving improvements in clinical operations and member services.
Janet Liang, executive vice president and chief operating officer of care delivery for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, acknowledged Watson's commitment to the organization's mission. "Wendy has consistently driven operational and clinical enhancements that benefit our members," Liang stated. "Her dedication to providing high-quality care is truly commendable."
Watson holds a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and a master's degree in public health from Portland State University. She has further distinguished herself through advanced fellowships with the Health Care Advisory Board in Washington, D.C., and the Baldrige Foundation. Furthermore, she is an active member of the board of directors for the Hospital Association of Oregon.
In recognition of her contributions, Watson was named Executive of the Year by the Portland Business Journal in 2022 and received the Patriot Award from the U.S. Army for her support of the Guard and Reserve.
With her extensive experience and proven leadership, Wendy Watson is poised to lead Kaiser Permanente in delivering integrated, high-quality health care to its members in the Northwest region.
