The Washington School-Based Health Alliance (WA SBHA) is pleased to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors, Norma Hernandez and Dr. Jay Fathi. We are grateful to add their perspective, deep experience, and enthusiasm for school-based health care to our team!
Norma is currently Executive Director of The Health Center in Walla Walla, an independent 501(c)(3) school-based health clinic providing students in Walla Walla Public Schools with medical and mental health care, regardless of their ability to pay. Additionally, since 2019 Norma is also the mayor of the City of College Place. Prior to coming to The Health Center, Norma worked in community development in the Walla Walla Valley and Seattle area for twenty years, focusing on creating services and programs that are inclusive to all in a community, with a special focus on low-income and vulnerable communities. In 2008, as CEO of a credit union in Seattle, Norma was instrumental in its conversion into the area’s first CDFI/Low-Income Credit Union, serving communities that were unbanked and victims of predatory lending practices. She has been a CEO, Executive Vice President, President, COO, Director, and Department Manager throughout her career. Norma volunteers and serves on numerous boards, committees, and community groups that seek to provide families with opportunities for stability, personal resiliency, and growth.
Jay, a family physician and recognized community and health care leader across Washington state, currently serves as the Plan President and CEO of Molina Healthcare of Washington. After serving for 12 years as a family doctor at the 45th Street Community Health Center, he founded and served as the Senior Medical Director of Community Health at Swedish Health Services. He then helped lead the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Washington as President and CEO of a managed care health plan. Jay holds an appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, serves on the Boards of the Washington Health Alliance and the Washington Healthcare Forum, and is a member of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Advisory Committee. He has been recognized locally and nationally for teaching, leadership, and dedication to the health and well-being of the underserved and has also served as a consultant and advisor to numerous efforts working towards system improvements and health equity.