About Lori

I am thrilled to be working at the forefront of healthcare reform.  How did I get here?  Through my love of new experiences and learning,  and a desire that high quality healthcare be accessible to all individuals. 

A native of the midwest, I came west in 1975 to be near the mountains I'd come to love through several backpacking and crosscountry ski experiences in Glacier Park.  After working for three years in the purchasing department of a solid waste equipment manufacturer, I packed up the car and set out to visit friends who had settled in Olympia.  Once I got to Western Washington, I called it home.

College exposed me to Marketing Management, Greek History and Literature, Philosophy, Spanish culture.  My first healthcare related job was as a switchboard operator for the healthcare boards at an answering service.   I also worked the switchboard at a major metropolitan hospital...One ringy dingy....

Since then, I have worked in many other aspects of  healthcare, in non-clincial roles...At a community clinic in Seatlle, I was on the board, coded and billed, managed the OB program, acted as receptionist and manager of the Dental Clinic, and provided Spanish interpretation for the Mexican and Central American clients of the clinic. 

After moving from Seattle I experienced a very different perspective on healthcare as the Provider Relations Director of the local Blue Shield plan.  While there, I participated in the search, evaluation and implementation of a new claims processing system.  And we put Whatcom Health Information Network (HInet)  in place through a partnership with St Joseph Hospital.   

And here we are, building the infrastructure and resources available to healthcare providers and patients to support healthcare delivery that meets the 6 aims identified in the Institute of Medicine's Crossing the Quality Chasm report.

My personal life is spent relaxing with friends and family, son Matt and daughter Hopi, and dogs Sara and Kali.

© Copyright 2004 Lori Nichols . Last update: 4/9/2004; 3:11:10 PM . This theme was created for WWPP by Jack F. Mancilla