Nyka Osteen, MPH, is the Director of Innovation with North Sound Accountable Community of Health (ACH). She grew up in Mount Vernon, WA and completed her Bachelor’s degree in microbiology and global health before earning her graduate degree in community-oriented public health from the University of Washington. Nyka has been a part of the North Sound ACH team since 2019, when she started as the Program Evaluation and Data Manager where she utilized her experience working in LGBTQ+ health and program evaluation.

Now, as the Director of Innovation she is responsible for creating and supporting opportunities to incubate and foster growth of nontraditional ideas, leveraging partner assets and resources, and identifying key areas for innovative transformation. Having spent her entire childhood navigating the Medicaid system with chronic health conditions, and as an adult navigating these systems for her family who all struggle with chronic illness, disability, and mental health challenges, Nyka is familiar with the complexities and challenges that communities face while simply trying to survive.