Elizabeth Meade, MD, FAAP
President, WCAAP
It’s hard to believe I’m writing to you all for the last time as President. These two years have been messy, complicated, difficult, and busy. They have also been incredibly rewarding, humbling, and joyful. It has been such an honor to serve as WCAAP President through the craziness of the past 24 months – I have never witnessed our community come together in the way it has during my term. I am awed by WCAAP’s members and the dedication you have shown to patients, to each other, and to science and truth during these years. We lived in a very different world in July 2019 when I became President – thank you for inspiring me every day with the countless ways you have adapted to and bettered this new one.
I would most like to thank our incredible staff, who are truly the reason I’m still standing and the reason WCAAP has weathered this storm and come out the other side. Sarah Rafton (our Executive Director), Jennifer Donahue (Communications Manager), our Program Managers (Edna Maddalena, Ariana Salaiz, Tatiana Sarkhosh), Vickie Olson (CFO), and our newest WCAAP staff members Tammy Martin (Data Coordinator) and Imad Jobah (Administrative Coordinator) – you all are the lifeblood that keeps WCAAP’s mission and vision front and center, and the framework all this important work depends on. To our Legislative Liaisons Amber Ulvenes and Devon Connor-Green – thank you for helping us fight the good fights when it comes to policy for kids and families! And to our Board members whose terms end this month after MANY years of service – Rupin Thakkar, Jim Polo, Francie Chalmers, and Brad Hood – thank you for everything you have done. I wish we could have celebrated each of you in person; your contributions to WCAAP have been truly immeasurable and we are so thankful for your time, expertise, and passion.
I am so, so proud of all that WCAAP has accomplished in the last two years and truly in awe of how each of you has supported our Chapter and your colleagues. Thank you for all that you continue to do every day. As always, you are keeping Washington’s kids and families healthy and safe. Continue to take care of yourselves and each other – you have my deepest gratitude.