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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

CEO

A Message From Our New CEO

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As summer begins to give way to fall, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought North Sound ACH to this moment — and feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer.

I am honored to join a community so deeply committed to advancing health, equity, and well-being across our region.

This season of transition invites us to pause and take stock of where we have been, what we have learned, and what we are carrying forward. For North Sound ACH, that reflection begins with recognizing and honoring the legacy of our founding CEO, Liz Baxter. Liz’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to community laid the groundwork for what North Sound ACH is today — a trusted, values-driven organization rooted in partnership and equity. Her work helped shape a collaborative infrastructure that continues to benefit communities across our region, and I step into this role with deep respect and gratitude for that foundation.

From my earliest conversations with partners, community members, and staff, one thing has been clear: this work is rooted in relationships. North Sound ACH has built a strong foundation as a trusted convener and connector — bringing together voices across sectors to address the root causes of inequities and improve outcomes for all. I am grateful to be part of that ongoing journey.

As I begin this role, I am listening closely. I want to understand what is working, where we can grow, and how we can continue to align our efforts in ways that are responsive to community needs. The challenges we face are complex, but so is the strength of this network. When we move together — with clarity, shared purpose, and trust — we can create meaningful and lasting change.

Fall also reminds us that transition does not mean starting over. It is about building on what has come before while making room for what is next. That is how I see this moment for North Sound ACH. We will build on the momentum already underway — fostering partnerships, deepening community engagement, supporting community well-being, strengthening networks and capacity, investing strategically, and demonstrating impact and accountability.

I am excited about what we can accomplish together. As we enter this new season for North Sound ACH, I look forward to listening, learning, and building alongside you.

Thank you for the warm welcome — and for the work you do every day to create healthier, more equitable communities across our region.

Arlesia

Change and Gratitude

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Last week marked the summer solstice and each year it compels me to ponder the place I get to call home. We yearn for the longer days of sunlight noting it as the ‘beginning’ of summer. The solstice is a pivot point – getting to the longest day of sunlight only to begin the journey back toward the winter solstice. For me, the solstice marks those periods of change, the patterns of this planet we call home, a reminder that we also change, day by day. 

June also marked my grandson’s high school graduation, and the prior month was filled with many ‘final’ milestones – the final symphony orchestra concert, the final soccer game, final exams, the final day of school: all of those events leading to the next chapters in the lives of Ian and his amazing group of friends. They give me so much hope for the future and I’m grateful to be along for part of their journey.

And June 30 marks my last day as CEO here at North Sound ACH, with Arlesia Bailey stepping in on July 1 to lead the organization’s next chapter. We will be working side-by-side for a period of time to fully transition the work, but the team and the work are in such strong and creative hands. It gives me excited confidence, and I’m grateful to have been part of this journey to the next chapter.

We’re planning a partner gathering for September 10, so keep an eye out for details in the coming month. We’ll be talking about the importance of connection to each other, and you will be able to officially celebrate Arlesia in her new role, and look back on the past 10 years of North Sound ACH. I plan to be there and hope you will be too. 

Thank you for all you do – these past 10 years have enriched me, nourished me, and inspired me as you all do such amazing things to help people across this region. Thank you for letting me be alongside your journey. 

North Sound ACH announces incoming CEO

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Arlesia Bailey to succeed Liz Baxter as the organization’s leader on July 1, 2026


After a thoughtful search and interview process, the North Sound Accountable Community of Health (ACH) Board of Directors has selected Arlesia Bailey to be its next Chief Executive Officer. North Sound ACH is a nonprofit organization serving a five-county region in Northwest Washington which supports a diverse array of partners and organizations to meet the health, social, and other needs of community members so they can thrive.

Arlesia Bailey (left) will succeed Liz Baxter on July 1, 2026 at North Sound ACH. 

Arlesia has been part of North Sound ACH’s leadership team since March 2024, when she joined as the Chief Transformation Officer, leading work across the region’s five counties – Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom – spanning Medicaid waiver implementation, health-related social needs, and care coordination, with a focus on sustainability as conditions change. The Board’s decision reflects confidence in Arlesia’s leadership, deep commitment to health equity, and ability to guide the organization into its next chapter while staying grounded in North Sound ACH’s mission to advance community health and well-being throughout the region. She will officially assume the role of CEO on July 1, 2026.

Our regional partners are facing a tough economic climate along with reductions in public health and social services. Arlesia brings transformational leadership, with 30+ years at the intersection of healthcare, public systems, and community which will serve North Sound ACH and our network of partners well. She understands the importance of relationships among and with partners, especially with the tribes in the North Sound region – those relationships and shared wisdom have shaped North Sound ACH for the last 10 years.  

Prior to joining North Sound ACH, Arlesia served as a senior leader at Seattle Children’s, where she led major health equity investments, including the expansion of primary care into historically under-resourced communities. She is also a co-founder and partner of weAVS Collective, a health equity and social justice consulting firm that supports health systems nationally. Arlesia resides in Seattle and has served on the boards of Wellspring Family Services, Seattle Youth Recreation Foundation, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Seattle.

Arlesia often introduces herself first as “Charley, Geneva, and Marie’s granddaughter.” The stories and lived experiences of her grandparents — all of whom migrated north from the Deep South — profoundly shaped her understanding of community, resilience, and inequity. Their influence continues to guide her commitment to centering community voice, disrupting inequities, and improving health outcomes for all people.

There will be a thoughtful transition between outgoing CEO Liz Baxter and Arlesia, who already have a strong working relationship. “I cannot have imagined a better candidate for this role,” Liz shared. “North Sound ACH and its partners are very special and knowing that the work and relationships are in good hands means so much. We had incredible candidates, and to have Arlesia be the Board’s selection is inspiring. She will lead the organization into its next chapter and I’m excited to see what comes next.” 

“Arlesia brings the experience, relationships, and values-centered leadership needed to guide North Sound ACH into its next chapter,” shared Board Chair Kevin Riley.

The Board and staff also expressed deep appreciation for Liz, the founding CEO of North Sound ACH. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I also want to express our deep gratitude to Liz Baxter for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to this organization and region,” said Kevin Riley. “Liz helped build North Sound ACH from the ground up and established a strong foundation rooted in partnership, equity, and community trust. We are grateful for her leadership and for her support in ensuring a thoughtful transition into this next era.”

For more information, please contact us at Communications@NorthSoundACH.org.

Collaborative Action Network: Aspirations and Actions

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I am often asked the rationale behind the common agreements that we have asked all partners to commit to. For those who aren’t familiar with them they are linked here.

Since 2014, when leaders from across five counties and eight tribal nations formed what is now North Sound ACH, the underlying focus on advancing equity has been present. To further that end, in December 2020 the Board of Directors made this even more explicit, adopting a set of goals for the organization to ensure that all people in the region have access to the conditions relied on every day for well-being. Operationally, we incorporated those goals into contracts between us and our partners – the set of common agreements mentioned above. 

In a recent , questionable billing practices of nonprofit health systems for patients at or near the federal poverty level were explored, and examples were used from one of our health system partners, Providence. (Please also read the response from Providence at this link.)

As a backdrop, the Affordable Care Act set requirements for nonprofit health systems to disclose their charity care, an intention to help the most vulnerable individuals and families in our communities. Some states, including Washington, followed by enacting legislation to identify if and who would be eligible for free or discounted care; you can find a brief description of Washington’s requirements at the Attorney General’s website.  

It is unacceptable when practices leave people at lower income levels to be buried in even more debt when there are programs to mitigate those circumstances. But we cannot jump to condemn the individuals and caregivers who work with those systems, who have been serving patients under some of the most trying conditions our nation has ever faced. When system-level decisions are made, the systems must work to acknowledge and correct those system-level decisions.   

Regionally, we are working to change the conditions that leave people suffering and struggling, and advance strategies where all community members can thrive. It is a worthy goal, and we’re grateful to have a wide array of regional partners on board with us, including strong practitioners from Providence.    

We believe in what our partners have committed to – not just in writing, but in action. We also believe that North Sound ACH can be of support as our partners navigate tough times. As we have done in the past, we will provide a space for anyone to join in advancing equitable well-being across the region, with our partners and even within our own team here at North Sound ACH. This requires that we all are able to point out when we or I stumble and to work together to do better.