Tracy’s story: Bringing tenacity from the trails to treatments

No matter the obstacle, the director of strategy planning "keeps working toward the goal."

For Tracy Courtenay, DNP, RN, endurance is more than a hobby. It is a mindset she brings to the trails and to her complex work helping specialty care programs grow at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE).

“My job is different every single day, and it’s exciting,” Tracy said. “It’s kind of like a puzzle. I get to do large systems thinking, but I also get to stay connected to point-of-care work and the patient experience.”

Tracy began her healthcare career as a critical care nurse at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut before travel nursing brought her to the Seattle area. She later joined PRMCE as a neuroscience clinical nurse specialist and, over 16 years, has held critical care, leadership and program management roles. Now, as director of strategy and planning, Tracy works with hospital operations, ambulatory clinics, regional partners and institute leaders to advance strategic priorities. 

Strengthening access, quality, efficiency and sustainability across a complex organization calls for tenacity. 

“I don’t quit,” she said. “Perseverance is a big part of who I am. It helps me navigate complex relationships, break down silos, and bring people together around a shared vision. No matter the obstacles, I keep working toward the goal."

Tracy’s determination extends well beyond her work. An accomplished Ironman triathlete, trail runner, skier and outdoor enthusiast, she is no stranger to testing her limits. She has completed four full Ironman races and eight half Ironman races. Setbacks only seem to fuel her resolve: when she fell short at mile 46 of a 50-mile trail race, she registered for another race the very next day—and completed the full 50 miles a month later.

Running gives Tracy the time and space to think. Whether logging the miles on her own or trekking through the woods with friends, time outdoors helps her process complex challenges, work through difficult conversations, and gain fresh perspective.

Tracy says she appreciates the work-life balance at Providence Swedish, which allows her to do meaningful work while remaining close to home and present for her three children and their soccer, hockey, and other sporting events. She lives in Lake Stevens, where she can see the medical center from her kitchen window—a daily reminder of the community she serves. Beyond her professional role, Tracy is also a board member of her local YMCA, giving back to the community she calls home.

Having worked at other large medical centers, Tracy says it’s common to see people move on quickly, but at PRMCE she says the community connection and passion for our Mission keep the best and brightest right here in our community. 

“I don’t think a lot of people know how good we are. You don’t have to travel far. You don’t have to battle traffic, because we’ve got you right here in Everett.”