Execs Join Mat-Su Health Foundation Leadership Team

Ingle moved to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2012 and joined MSHF in 2016 as a program associate, advancing to program officer and then senior program officer over her tenure. She previously served as executive director of Frontline Mission, a community-based food distribution center.

“She is entrenched in our local community and is dedicated to serving the Mat-Su not only in her professional life but as a community member as well,” says Pitts. “Vandana approaches each new challenge with curiosity and a tenacity that will continue to support our mission of health and wellness for all Valley residents.”

Ingle holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and finance from the University of Pune (now called Savitribai Phule Pune University in western India) and an additional degree in ministry, and she earned an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University. Ingle also completed extensive academic work in communications and media with a focus on tailored communications for children. She recently received the “Friend of Nightingale” award presented by Nightingale College in Utah, honoring her efforts in strengthening the nursing workforce in the state of Alaska.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role here at the Mat-Su Health Foundation. I want to continue working closely with our partners to ensure our community members feel heard, supported, and included in the great work being done in the Valley,” says Ingle.

MSHF leadership also gains a new Chief Communications Officer with the appointment of Erin Messmer, previously the foundation’s Director of Public Relations. In her new role, Messmer leads strategic communications including marketing, media, and public relations.

“Communications for better health are my passion, and I could not be more honored to step into this role at the foundation,” says Messmer. “Our region is such a unique place, and I am excited to dive deeper into its beauty through storytelling, communications, and relationships with our community and partners.”

Born in Juneau and raised in Seward, Messmer was previously the director of client services at a full-service brand marketing agency in Anchorage. She has worked with tribal, state, and national organizations, including the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, Maniilaq Health Center, the Anchorage Police Department, and the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Messmer holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic and corporate communication from Chapman University.

“The Foundation is ready to embrace a fresh approach to communications with Erin leading the way,” says Pitts. “Her dedication to uplifting the work of the foundation, our grantees, scholars, and community partners is unmatched. With her expertise in public health and social marketing, she will bring a new level of direction, innovation, and strategy to our communications.”