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What are your plans for retirement? My grandson has a list of things we're going to do together. I'd like to spend a lot of time with my family and friends and travel. I'm healthy now and I want to make the most of my time. And I will always remain active and connected to this amazing health care community. PROVIDENCE.ORG/HEARTBEAT 7 SEND A RETIREMENT MESSAGE Please join us in wishing Elaine and her family the best in retirement. Email your message to: heartbeat@providence.org or mail to: Providence Health Care c/o Marketing & Communications 101 W. 8th Avenue Spokane, WA 99204 In 2020, Providence committed $50 million to addressing equity in health care. You have always said this is important to you. What do you hope to see change in the future? I hope that Providence can become a leader in bringing health care for all – that's what Health for a Better World means. We are addressing implicit bias, which I think will make a significant difference. We have to understand that every patient has a story. Everyone deserves quality, affordable health care. And while we have a long road ahead, we are committed. What will you miss the most? The people. They're the best part of every day, and they give me so much joy. Sometimes I feel like a parent – I'm so proud of our accomplishments and how we continue to care for our community, even in a pandemic. What does it mean to you when someone says you are a true person of Providence? To me that is a very high compliment, and it means that I lead with my faith. Having always worked in Catholic Health Care, I've always felt that calling to take care of others – at the bedside and then eventually as an executive. We lead with our faith, whatever that faith may be. What's the best advice you've received? Those who work with me know I say this a lot – your priorities are everything. It's God first, then family, and then work. If you keep those things in balance, everything will be fulfilled. What are the most significant changes in health care that you've seen? I've seen so many changes in health care throughout my career. When I was a nurse, patients used to stay in the hospital for a long time, and we got to know them – really know them. And even today when hospital stays are typically shorter, caregivers often serve as family for our patients. That relationship is still there. We may not always remember names, but we remember how people treat us. And that's what's so special about our Providence caregivers. We treat all people with compassion, dignity and kindness. Elaine is looking forward to spending more time with grandchildren Matthew, Andrew, Alex and Reese. Elaine and her daughter Traci at 2009 Go Red for Women. Elaine and Wayne. How has your family helped or influenced your career? I have been married to my husband Wayne for 45 years, even before I went into health care. From the very moment we met, he has supported me. When you have this type of job, your family works with you. My girls know how important this work has been to me and therefore it is also important to them. We have a lot to look forward to as I make my retirement plans. What is your hope for the future of Providence? I want Providence to continue to stay focused on our Mission to serve all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. I'm interested to see how technology will help us grow and become more efficient. I am eager to see our health equity work continue so everyone has access to health care. I'm very confident in Providence's future and have all the faith in the world that it's in great hands with our next leaders. ■

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