Today, Island Hospital Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Elise Cutter, MBA as the new Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Island Hospital, effective immediately. Cutter will take the helm after twice serving as interim CEO in the last few years.

Formerly the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Cutter has risen through the ranks of Island Hospital, recognized throughout her years of service to the organization as a leader and dedicated employee.  In 2002, Cutter was named Island Hospital Employee of the Year and in 2007, as Finance Director, she received the coveted Island Hospital Management Leadership Award. Cutter and her family left Anacortes from 2009-2011 for her husband’s Navy career. Upon their return to Anacortes, Cutter rejoined the hospital’s management team. In 2013 Cutter took on the CFO role, and under her leadership significantly increased the hospital’s cash reserves while spearheading initiatives to save hospital and taxpayer dollars. In 2020, as Chief Operating Officer, Cutter readied the organization to address the COVID-19 pandemic, standing up emergency operations, including both testing and vaccination clinics. Under her leadership, Island Hospital was one of the first healthcare entities in the region to offer vaccinations in December 2020.

Cutter received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Villanova University and obtained her MBA with a focus in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University. Prior to joining Island Hospital in 2001, she was employed at a public accounting firm in Seattle and worked as a controller for a manufacturing firm in Everett, Washington.

“I am excited to take on the full-time CEO role.  I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization and look forward to collaborating with our medical staff, employees, the Board of Commissioners, and our community to advance the future of healthcare in our region,” said Cutter.

The Board of Commissioners expressed enthusiastic support for Cutter, noting she has been integral to the Island Hospital leadership team for nearly 20 years.

“After working with Elise for many years and holding numerous discussions with both internal and external stakeholders, we believe that Elise not only has the Commissioners’ full support, but also the support of hospital staff and of the community,” said Jan Iversen, Board President.

Cutter replaces Charles Hall who resigned from Island Hospital last month.