Heidi Steeves Chosen to Lead Oregon Patient Safety Commission

Portland, OR—The Oregon Patient Safety Commission (OPSC) Board of Directors has named Heidi Steeves, MHA, CPHQ, to be the new executive director for the organization, effective September 4, 2019. Heidi, who was selected by the board following an extensive executive search process, brings a diverse background in operations, finance, and leadership.

“After a thorough and thoughtful recruitment process, Ms. Steeves is the clear choice to lead the Patient Safety Commission into the future as executive director,” said Melinda Muller, MD and board chair.

Heidi’s experience includes leading as the Senior Director for Ambulatory Quality and Patient Safety, at Kaiser Permanente, where she served the past nine years, including several roles in Specialty Care Operations. She has also served in various consultant and financial roles prior to working at Kaiser Permanente. 

Heidi will take the lead at OPSC from Valerie Harmon who has served as the organization’s interim executive director during the recruitment process and will be resuming her role of chief operating officer.

“I am grateful to our board for their work to bring a leader of Heidi’s caliber to the Patient Safety Commission. Heidi brings an incredible breadth of experience in leadership, operations, and patient safety, along with a clear passion for the work we do,” said Valerie Harmon. “I am excited to welcome Heidi to our team”

Driven by a passion for improving healthcare, Heidi got her start as an Administrative Fellow at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Australia. Later, she took on a role as Project Manager for HMS in New York City in the early 90’s. Since then, she has worked for several health-related companies and organizations across the United States. She is currently on the Board of Directors at Albertina Kerr and is a guest lecturer at her alma mater, Cornell University.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to advance the work of the Oregon Patient Safety Commission. Oregonians must have safe healthcare whenever and wherever they access services,” said Heidi Steeves. “The Oregon Patient Safety Commission is here as a partner in the promise of safe care to the residents across our state.”

The Oregon Patient Safety Commission is a semi-independent state agency that operates multiple programs aimed at reducing the risk of serious adverse events occurring in Oregon’s healthcare system and encouraging a culture of patient safety. The Oregon Patient Safety Commission’s programs include the Patient Safety Reporting Program and Early Discussion and Resolution. To learn more about the Oregon Patient Safety Commission, visit oregonpatientsafety.org.

Heidi Steeves, Executive Director, MHA, CPHQ