Earlier this month our President and CEO Esther Lucero (Diné) was honored as one of the region’s most-admired CEOs by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Congratulations Esther!
The award recognized Esther’s work in advancing culturally attuned care for all, while addressing the ever-changing challenges of the moment.
Since stepping into her role in 2015, Esther has expanded SIHB toward a system of care grounded in Indigenous knowledge. She expanded our clinics to three additional sites and positioned SIHB as a leader in health both regionally and nationally. It’s an honor well-deserved!
Read more about Esther in this excerpt from the Puget Sound Business Journal below.
Since taking on the role, Lucero has grown SIHB’s budget fourfold, expanded its services and reach and strengthened its internal infrastructure.
About Esther
Seattle Indian Health Board President and CEO
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Community involvement:
- Seattle Indigenous Advisory Council
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Advisory Committee for Women’s Services and Region X Opioid Taskforce
- Governor’s Behavioral Taskforce
What’s one thing you want to learn?
How to stay ahead of the technological revolution while respecting our history and legacy.
What’s currently bringing you joy?
My son and his love for the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
What’s the biggest advantage of running a business in the Puget Sound area?
The Puget Sound area is vibrant with diverse communities bubbling with innovation, creativity and offers access to some of the best technology.
The biggest downside?
Public safety becomes more complex and challenging every day.
What external trend keeps you up at night?
Threats to economic stability.
And which one excites you most?
The use of AI and new technologies to expand collective, community power.
If you had to reinvent your organization from scratch today, what would you do differently?
I would adopt advanced technology earlier to ensure the diversification of revenue — particularly unrestricted revenue.
