Right: Theresa Sullivan, left, with her husband, Steve Sullivan, at WSHA’s Annual Meeting Oct. 22. Photo by Chris Majors.
The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) presented the 2023 Joe Hopkins Memorial Award to Samaritan Healthcare CEO Theresa Sullivan. The honor is bestowed annually as a lifetime achievement award for a health care leader who has made outstanding contributions to health care in the state, especially to rural health care.
Sullivan was appointed chief executive officer in 2015 and is responsible for the execution of Samaritan Healthcare’s mission and vision through establishing a culture that drives outstanding patient and family, provider and staff satisfaction. She came to Samaritan Healthcare in 2014 from Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, Minn., where she served as the chief operating officer for four years as well as the chief executive officer of the Longville Lakes Clinic for 13 years.
“Theresa exemplifies to elected officials in our state how important a hospital’s role is in serving its community,” WSHA CEO Cassie Sauer said. “She has continued to demonstrate what it means to be a local leader throughout her career.”
In late 2018, WSHA named her “2018’s Grassroots Champion” for her exemplary efforts in educating elected officials on the importance of the hospital’s role in the community. In February 2020, Seattle Business Magazine named Sullivan “Outstanding Medical Center Executive Outside Puget Sound Region” for her excellent leadership and management of Samaritan Healthcare.
“Theresa’s work as CEO has been invaluable to improving the lives of those seeking care at Samaritan Healthcare,” said Katherine Christian, president of the board of commissioners at Samaritan Healthcare. “She has proven her commitment to hospital and community leadership throughout her entire career.”
The Joe Hopkins Memorial Award was created in 1987 to acknowledge an individual who displays the spirit of Joe Hopkins’ vision and dedication to Washington’s hospitals. Each year, the award is presented at the Washington State Hospital Association Annual Member Meeting.
