The Albers Executive Speaker Series presents Elizabeth Wako, M.D., MBA, President and CEO of Swedish Health Services, as the fourth speaker for the 2024-25 season. Register to attend her talk on April 16^th 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Seattle University. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Wako's chosen topic is Proceed Until Apprehended. Embracing the life motto "proceed until apprehended" teaches invaluable lessons about effective leadership and the qualities of a good leader in today's dynamic environment. Dr. Wako will also discuss her journey in healthcare—from bedside nurse to CEO.

Dr. Wako is a proven leader with a healthcare career spanning over three decades that began as a registered nurse working in behavioral health. She received her medical degree from the University of Utah and returned to the University of Washington—her alma mater—to complete a medical residency in anesthesia, a fellowship in perioperative medicine, and finally, her MBA.

In November 2023, Dr. Wako was appointed as the permanent President and CEO of Swedish Health Services. Prior to the permanent appointment, Dr. Wako was serving in an interim capacity and recognized for her leadership in charting a transformational course for Swedish during a pivotal period in the organization’s history. She oversees an organization with more than 1,500 licensed patient beds, 48,000 annual inpatient admissions and $3.4 billion in revenue.

Before stepping into her current role, Dr. Wako held several key executive positions at Swedish including Chief Executive of Providence Swedish's services in the Central Puget Sound area, Chief Medical Officer for the First Hill campus, Chief Operating officer for First Hill and Chief Executive for First Hill and Cherry Hill campuses.

About the Albers Executive Speaker Series

Since 2002, the Albers School of Business and Economics has organized the Albers Executive Speaker Series, live panels featuring top business leaders from the Puget Sound Area. Guests talk about a topic of their choice and respond to questions from a panel and the audience. The Speaker Series is yet another way Albers is committed to build student connections with the Seattle business community.

The Albers Executive Speaker Series is free and open to the public. Register to save your seat, submit questions for the speaker and to be emailed any updates on the event.

About Providence Swedish

Providence Swedish has served the Puget Sound region since the first Providence hospital opened in Seattle in 1877 and the first Swedish hospital opened in 1910. The two organizations affiliated in 2012 and today comprise the largest health care delivery system in Western Washington, with 22,000 caregivers, eight hospitals and 244 clinics. A not-for-profit family of organizations, Providence Swedish provided $540 million in community benefit in the Puget Sound region last year. The health system offers a comprehensive range of services and specialty and subspecialty care in a number of clinical areas, including cancer care, cardiovascular health, neurosciences, orthopedics, digestive health and women’s and children’s care.    

About the Albers School of Business and Economics

Located in the heart of Seattle, the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University is one of the premier business schools in the Northwest United States. Small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure that a student is never just a number. Students benefit from the school’s deep business connections through mentorships, internships, and employment opportunities. Finally, Albers is distinct for its nearly 80-year legacy in championing the responsibility of business to create a better society. 

Parking Information and Directions to the Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation

Please park in the Broadway Garage labeled “P3” on this map.  The Broadway Garage can be accessed from Broadway and E Columbia St.  There are parking kiosks and PayByPhone codes available.

For those who need to avoid stairs, proceed back to the Broadway and E Columbia St entrance and take a left.  Continue forward until you reach an intersection in the walkway.  Take a right and proceed down the hill until you reach the University Seal on the ground at the intersection of the lower walkway. The Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation will be across you, to the right of the guard booth.

Once inside the building, Oberto Commons will be on the second floor. There is a flight of stairs you can take once you enter the building or elevators on the right side.

For those who can take stairs, proceed north on Broadway and take a right where the parking garage structure ends.  Proceed down the stairs and continue down the hill until you reach the University Seal on the ground at the intersection of the lower walkway. The Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation will be across you, to the right of the guard booth.

For more information on parking, please see this link: https://www.seattleu.edu/transportation-and-parking-services/visitor-parking/

For more information on reaching campus, please see this link: https://www.seattleu.edu/life-at-seattle-u/our-campus/commuting-to-seattle-u/