Island Health announced today that Commissioner Jan Iversen, representing District 2, Commissioner Position 1, will retire from the Board of Commissioners effective August 31, 2026, after over 20 years of service to the district.

Iversen was first elected to the Island Health Board of Commissioners in 2005 and has represented District 2, Commissioner Position 1 ever since. Over nearly two decades, Iversen has helped guide the public hospital district through significant growth and change in service to the community.

“My 20 years as a commissioner have been interesting, challenging, exciting, and always tremendously rewarding,” Iversen said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to support and serve with our incredible staff providing the highest quality health care for our community.”

Iversen said the transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that will keep her connected to Island Health. She looks forward to continuing her support of the organization through scholarship funds established in her late husband’s honor.

The Richard Iversen Tuition Assistance Award and the Richard Iversen Rising Stars Memorial Scholarship, both established through the Island Health Foundation, help fund Island Health employees pursuing a degree or certificate in a clinical field. These scholarships expand the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline, helping ensure continued access to care—a cause close to Jan’s heart and supported by Richard, a multi-generational Anacortes resident. Together, the couple worked to remove barriers to healthcare and expand access to services for those in need. The Iversens’ shared commitment to giving lives on through Island Health employees as they provide quality, compassionate care to the Anacortes community.

Island Health CEO Elise Cutter expressed gratitude for the dedication, leadership and commitment Iversen has brought to Island Health.

“Commissioner Iversen has served on the board, representing her Guemes Island neighbors and the larger Anacortes community, for two decades. Her impact on this organization is beyond measure, and her presence will truly be missed. She leaves behind a strong legacy for staff development, strategic planning, and philanthropic support,” said Cutter.

Today, in compliance with RCW 42.12.080, Island Health Commissioners nominated Jan Hendrickson to fill the vacancy until December 2027. Applications for additional candidates to fill Position 1 will be accepted via the Island Health website (wwww.islandhealth.org/commissioners) from July 31–August 14, 2026. The Island Health Board of Commissioners will review all applications and appoint the selected candidate at the board meeting on August 27, 2026. 

About Island Health

Island Health is a public hospital district serving Fidalgo, Cypress, Guemes, and Sinclair islands, and a convenient option for patients from north Whidbey Island and La Conner. We also operate a primary care clinic on Orcas Island, where we’re the closest acute care hospital for many San Juan Island residents. With three primary care clinics and eight specialty care clinics, Island Health strives to be the best healthcare partner for those we serve so patients don’t have to travel far to receive exceptional healthcare. Learn more at www.islandhealth.org.