Providence Alaska Foundation names Martin Parsons board member emeritus

2022 chair recognized for focus on youth mental health,
 health equity and access during pandemic

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Past board chair of the Providence Alaska Foundation (PAF) Martin Parsons has been acknowledged by his colleagues for his for focus on youth mental health, health equity and access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the PAF board unanimously supported a motion to name him as board member emeritus.

This honor acknowledges his enthusiasm and leadership during his years serving in many roles as a board member, which began in 2015.

His accomplishments include helping the community provide a permanent home for Alaska CARES, an outpatient clinic that provides evaluations and support services for children around the state experiencing physical and sexual abuse. During the pandemic, he worked to form the strategic direction of the board, which included establishing a focus on mental health and addressing health equity and access. During this time, Parsons also served as a member of the Providence Alaska Region board through 2022.

Martin and his wife, Deanna (pictured above), are well known for being available in every way needed to help support the Providence Mission to provide care for all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

“Martin’s emeritus status confirms his heart for caring for the poor and vulnerable in our community and acknowledges his efforts to create a healthier Alaska,” said Suzanne Carté-Cocroft, CFRE, Providence Alaska Foundation president and Chief Philanthropy Officer. “He is a true champion of the vision of health for a better world.”

Martin continued serving as a voting member on the board of PAF as the immediate past chair through the end of 2022 and assumed the title of emeritus in 2023.

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Providence Alaska Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting the Mission of Providence Alaska. The foundation strives to promote a healthy community by raising funds for programs, projects, initiatives and issues that address the health needs of Alaskans. Philanthropic funds raised via Providence Alaska Foundation support many programs, including Alaska CARES, family support services for The Children's Hospital at Providence and many others. Learn more: https://alaska.providence.org/services/giving