Nancy Stewart is a distinguished healthcare executive, governance leader, and business strategist with over 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, retail, business development, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as commissioner for EvergreenHealth and a board member for the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Foundation, where she applies her expertise in corporate governance, financial stewardship, and strategic oversight to improve healthcare access and operational efficiency. Her career has been defined by a commitment to patient advocacy, executive leadership, and the development of high-performing teams to drive sustainable, patient-centric solutions.
Nancy’s professional journey includes an extensive tenure at EvergreenHealth, where she served as the executive director of hospital and specialty medicine before transitioning to board governance. In this role, she spearheaded organizational growth, financial turnaround initiatives, service line expansion, and the implementation of innovative patient care programs. Under her leadership, EvergreenHealth established centers of excellence, optimized hospital revenue cycles, and expanded specialty services to serve a broader patient base with high-quality care.
Beyond her leadership in hospital administration, Nancy has been a champion for patient advocacy, ensuring that individuals navigate their healthcare journeys with knowledge, support, and empowerment. She is currently completing a book that reflects her deep commitment to educating, guiding, and supporting patients in managing their healthcare experiences. Her work in this area extends to coaching individuals through health crises, wellness strategies, and lifestyle adjustments, helping them make informed decisions and improve their overall well-being.
With a master’s in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University and a certificate in business development from the University of Washington, Nancy blends academic expertise with real-world application. She also holds specialized training in emergency management healthcare leadership, nonprofit board development, and professional coaching. Her skill set includes corporate governance, financial planning, strategic partnerships, change management, talent development, and DEI leadership, all of which are crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare landscape.
Nancy’s governance experience extends beyond healthcare, incorporating business development, operations, and financial oversight in retail and nonprofit sectors. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership positions at Borders Group, Linens ‘N Things, and Pacific Linen, where she led strategic growth, operational transformation, and national expansion initiatives. These experiences provided her with a deep understanding of revenue generation, market positioning, and customer engagement strategies, all of which have informed her approach to healthcare business models and financial sustainability.
As an executive, Nancy has built cross-functional teams that drive innovation, improve patient care models, and enhance organizational culture. She excels in executive coaching, mentorship, and talent development, ensuring that emerging leaders are prepared to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and strategic foresight, creating environments where teams thrive and deliver exceptional patient experiences.
Nancy’s influence extends into the policy and advocacy realm, where she actively collaborates with healthcare organizations, government entities, and industry stakeholders to shape healthcare policies, improve patient access, and drive public health initiatives. She is recognized for her ability to analyze complex regulatory frameworks, implement compliance strategies, and advocate for policy changes that benefit communities.
A lifelong learner and thought leader in governance and business strategy, Nancy frequently speaks on topics such as patient advocacy, healthcare governance, leadership development, and business transformation. Her insights have been instrumental in guiding organizations through change, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that healthcare institutions remain resilient and forward-thinking in an increasingly complex industry.
Her current board work reflects her commitment to governance excellence and strategic impact. At EvergreenHealth, she provides stewardship for a multi-hospital system, guiding its financial, operational, and strategic direction. Meanwhile, at Lake Washington Institute of Technology Foundation, she supports education accessibility and workforce development in healthcare and beyond. She remains open to additional board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise to drive impactful change in healthcare, business, and nonprofit sectors.
Nancy Stewart is more than a healthcare executive. She is a visionary leader, patient advocate, and strategic influencer, shaping the future of healthcare and business governance through her unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Character:
Nancy Stewart is a principled and ethical leader committed to integrity, collaboration, and patient advocacy. Her leadership style emphasizes accountability, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare and governance.
Knowledge:
With expertise in healthcare administration, business strategy, and governance, Nancy possesses a deep understanding of financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Her ability to analyze complex systems allows her to drive sustainable growth and impactful change.
Strategic:
Nancy excels in long-term planning, organizational transformation, and financial oversight, ensuring that institutions remain resilient and forward-thinking. Her expertise in building high-performing teams and driving business development has led to measurable success in healthcare, retail, and nonprofit sectors.
Communication:
A skilled speaker, author, and executive coach, Nancy is adept at engaging stakeholders, facilitating governance discussions, and guiding organizations through complex decision-making. Her ability to translate strategy into action ensures clarity, alignment, and effective execution at every level.