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Esther Lucero

Chief Executive Officer at Seattle Indian Health Board

Esther Lucero (Diné) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB), a position she has held since November 2015.13 She is of Diné (Navajo) and Latina descent, and is a third-generation urban Indian from Colorado Springs, Colorado.1

Lucero has a Master of Public Policy and a BA in Native American Studies from Mills College.1 Her career has been dedicated to improving health outcomes for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives. Under her leadership, SIHB has seen significant growth, including:

  • Increasing the operating budget by $23 million
  • Transforming the organizational culture
  • Implementing an Indigenous Knowledge Informed System of Care
  • Adding three additional clinic sites1

Prior to joining SIHB, Lucero served as:

  • Director of Programs and Strategic Development at the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health (2013-2015)
  • Director of Policy and Programs at the Native American Health Center in Oakland, CA (2010-2013)13

Lucero is recognized for her advocacy in Native health, transformative approaches to indigenous research and evaluation, and Federal Indian Law and policy.1 She has been honored for her work in addressing health disparities and inequities faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, including receiving the 2024 King County Recovery Champion Award for her efforts in combating the opioid crisis.2

Currently, Lucero is leading efforts to reopen the Thunderbird Treatment Center on Vashon Island in 2025, which will be the largest residential treatment facility of its kind in Washington state.2

Highlights

Feb 2 · sihb.org
Government Affairs - Seattle Indian Health Board
Feb 2 · sihb.org
About Seattle Indian Health Board
Sep 24 · kingcounty.gov
Council Honors Seattle Indian Health Board's Esther Lucero with ...
Council Honors Seattle Indian Health Board's Esther Lucero with ...
Jun 24 · youtube.com
March 6 Rally: Esther Lucero - YouTube
March 6 Rally: Esther Lucero - YouTube
May 16 · indianz.com
[PDF] 1 Testimony of Esther Lucero, MPP President & CEO, Seattle Indian ...
Jan 7 · sihb.org
Board & Leadership - Seattle Indian Health Board
Board & Leadership - Seattle Indian Health Board
Jul 29 · sihb.org
Seattle Indian Health Board CEO featured on King 5 News to ...
Seattle Indian Health Board CEO featured on King 5 News to ...

Related Questions

What are some of Esther Lucero's major achievements at the Seattle Indian Health Board?
How has Esther Lucero's leadership impacted the community served by the Seattle Indian Health Board?
What is the Indigenous Knowledge Informed System of Care that Esther Lucero implemented?
How did Esther Lucero's background influence her approach to healthcare leadership?
What challenges has Esther Lucero faced in her role at the Seattle Indian Health Board?
Esther Lucero
Esther Lucero, photo 1
Esther Lucero, photo 2
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Location

Seattle, Washington, United States