EVERETT — Leadership Launch, a nonprofit aiming to empower and inspire local students, welcomes a new chief executive.
Adrianne Wagner, a leadership and executive coach, will lead the group, which mentors local first-generation college-bound students as well as students facing hardships.
“I see great things coming to this organization and an even bigger impact in our community that will echo through the county and state,” Leadership Launch board President Anthony Upchurch said in a statement.
“It’s grow time,” Upchurch added. “And Adrianne and her skills, education and passion align to chart that course.”
Prior to taking the top post at Leadership Launch, Wagner was the regional vice president of quality and patient safety for Optum Pacific Northwest, which runs The Everett Clinic and The Polyclinic.
She also served on boards of directors for Edmonds College and America’s Physician Groups.
Leadership Launch works with students from 9th grade through the first year of college who want to grow as leaders, engage with the community and pursue their dreams, the group said.
The nonprofit was founded in 2015 by two Mukilteo attorneys, Rachel Kittle and her husband Dan Kittle. It began as an informal weekly get-together for teens to share the high and low points of their week.
Wagner has been a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2011 and was a Thomas Dolan Executive Diversity Scholar in 2021.
Her experience as a leader in equity and inclusion includes a focus on anti-racism and multicultural experiences. She acquired her training at Teleos Leadership Institute and is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.
She has a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Health Services administration degree from the University of Michigan.
Wagner lives in Lynnwood with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys watercolor, cooking, traveling with friends and volunteering at local schools.
Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @JanicePods.
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