International Community Health Services celebrates 50th anniversary, and new leadership
by Amanda Ong
Last November, Kelli Nomura stepped into the role of CEO of International Community Health Services (ICHS) following Teresita Batayola’s appointment to President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiʻians, and Pacific Islanders, after 17 years in the position. Nomura comes into the position having worked with Batayola and ICHS staff as a member of the ICHS board, and already knowing the ins and outs of ICHS as well as the work it does, the challenges it faces, and the services it offers. Nomura’s appointment to the role comes as ICHS celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
“I’m just really honored to be in this position. And I look forward to leading the organization, you know, into their next 50 years,” Nomura said in an interview with the South Seattle Emerald.
Nomura grew up outside of Portland, Oregon. Her father was a physician, so she learned early on the importance of health care and preventative health, as well as the importance of access to health care. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in the field of health. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Washington, where she connected with the King County behavioral health organization where she would eventually work as a provider after graduating.
“I was able to work with members of our community who needed our care, and it was just something that I connected with immediately,” Nomura said. “So this continued through my career to have that passion towards community members who really need someone to advocate for them and make sure that they have equal access … the low-income, underserved, uninsured population.”
Nomura moved up in the behavioral health organization into leadership management roles. After about 30 years being a direct service provider in the behavioral health system,…
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