with her labor union, the Communications Workers of America. She was a union steward for telephone operators, building representative, Chief Steward and then became the youngest elected Executive Board member for CWA Local 7800. She learned how to lobby while she was representing her union during the federal deregulation of the Bell Telephone System as directed by the federal courts to break up its communications monopoly. While continuing to work in communications she put herself through massage school. She then began lobbying as a volunteer for massage and worked on Deborah Senn’s campaign for state Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Once elected, Deborah hired Lori. As a Senior Health Policy Analyst, Lori’s job at the OIC was the “every category of provider”
law. They were successful in creating benefit structures that allowed patients to choose the provider of their choice for the covered service and insurers were no longer allowed to direct care-meaning they couldn’t tell a patient to get a massage from a physical therapist or spinal manipulation from an Osteopath. The statute was challenged all the way to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and was ultimately upheld. When Deborah Senn decided to run for the US Senate, Lori accepted a job with the WSCA.
When she isn’t working Lori enjoys and collects Italian wine, rides her bicycle with her husband, gardens, and organizes gatherings of close friends. She also loves to camp in her Airstream and joined the Airstream Club. Lori recently became the International Parliamentarian for the Wally Byam Caravan Club International Airstream Club and is amazed at all of its rules. In Lori’s words; “I am a lucky person to have so many tribes and frequently say that my worst day in life is still better than most people’s best! #ImaLuckyGirl. All I ever wanted as a young person was to enjoy going to work every day. I can honestly say that I have accomplished my goal and for that, I am grateful.”
Shaka Forest, the WSCA Membership Director, has been with the association since December 2006. His extensive nonprofit and government work includes Community Health Centers of King County, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Shaka is a great resource and has
an incredible memory. He knows each member and helps keep conferences running smoothly. A fun memory that Shaka recently shared with me: “Picture it! It is 2011 in the Seattle Airport Marriott Ballroom; Dr. Butters is receiving the WSCA Lifetime Achievement Award. During his emotional acceptance speech,
someone’s phone kept repeating some annoying message. I look around for the culprit as did everyone else. I thought, what a schmuck, can’t control their phone. A very polite woman turned around and said “I think that is you.” I check my phone and yes it was indeed me. I’m the shmuck. I had just gotten my first cell phone for conference. I had gotten it from a drugstore so you know it was very high end.”
Kathy Leehan joined the WSCA in July 2018 as our Finance and Office Administrator. Previously she worked for the State of Washington, private construction companies, and for an environmental company.
She brings
strong accounting skills and is responsible for accounts payable and receivables at our
headquarters. When she isn’t keeping the association financially strong, Kathy loves the outdoors, soccer, roller blading, and sci-fi, both movies and books.
Following are the responses I received from individual board members to my request to introduce them to the membership.
President: “My name is Dr. Chad Hurst and I am the current president of the WSCA. I practice in East Wenatchee and I am a second-generation chiropractor. My uncle Tom Hurst and my dad, Bruce Hurst, practiced for over 95 years combined. I owe much to both of them for the legacy they passed down to me. My wife, Jolene, and I are high school sweethearts and are now empty nesters as we have 3 daughters who are in the process of pursuing degrees and careers. I have been a member of the WSCA for over 20 years and it has been a privilege to give back to our profession by serving on the WSCA board.”
President-Elect: “My name is Dr. David Stemp, I was the WSCA District 6 Representative for the past six years and I’m currently the president-elect. I began practicing in Tacoma with my mother, Dr. Susan Strobel, in 1998 and have been dedicated to serving my community ever since. I’m proud to say I have seven amazing
chiropractors in my immediate family, including my father, Dr. Larry Stemp, who was the very first president of our WSCA. My three kids, Daniel, Jonas, and Grace, and my amazing wife, Nikol, are my world. Nikol and I love to travel and often ruin a perfectly nice walk with a horrible game of golf. I love this profession and I am committed to preserving our unique place in the wellness health revolution.”
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