VAC Members

Open Seats

Washington’s Vaccine Advisory Committee needs a vaccine researcher to join the table. We’re seeking a clinical trials expert who knows how evidence becomes policy and wants to shape the future of immunization in Washington. This is a volunteer role for someone passionate about public health, research, and protecting people across the lifespan. If you’re ready to bring science, insight, and impact to statewide vaccine guidance, this seat is for you.

If you are interested in joining the VAC, please see the position details for more information (PDF). Submit your materials by January 5, 2026.

The Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) is a voluntary and not compensated committee that includes representatives with expertise in tribal health, vaccinology, preventative medicine, vaccine-preventable disease management, pediatrics, epidemiology, family practice, naturopathic medicine, school health, health care purchasing, pharmacy issues, internal medicine, perinatal health care, childcare, obstetrics and gynecology, and public health. The State Health Officer chairs this meeting with support from the Office of Immunization.

VAC Members

Chair
Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Washington State Department of Health

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Dr. Alisa Kachikis

American Indian Health Commission for Washington (AIHC)
Wendy Stevens

Childcare Representation
Lauren Greenfield, BS, BSN, RN, Public Health Nurse Consultant, Child Care Health Program at Public Health – Seattle and King County

Internal Medicine Organization
Dr. Mary Anderson, Washington Chapter of American College of Physicians

Managed Care
Dr. John Dunn, Kaiser Permanente

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
Dr. Charisse Gumapas, ARNP, DNP

Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Mary Alison Koehnke, ND, Washington, Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center
Tam Lutz, Project Director

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Annie Hetzel, MSN, RN, NCSN, School Health Services Consultant

Public Health--Seattle & King County
Libby Page, MPH, Immunization Program Manager

School Nurse Representation
Sarah Kim, MSN, RN, CPN, NCSN

Seattle Indian Health Board
Dr. Maithri Sarangam, Pediatrician

State Agency Healthcare Purchasers
Korrina Dalke, RN, BSN, CPC, Health Care Authority

Student Representation
Magali Sanchez, MPH

Washington Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP)
Dr. Gretchen LaSalle
Dr. John Merrill-Steskal

Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP)
Dr. Francis Bell
Dr. Seema Abbasi

Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO)
Dr. Mark Larson, Health Officer, Kittitas County Public Health Department

Washington State Pharmacy Association
Dr. Jenny Arnold, Pharm.D., Director of Pharmacy Practice Development

Consultants
Dr. Beth Harvey
Dr. Ed Marcuse

Department of Health Support Staff

  • Dr. Jamilia Sherls, DNP, MPH, RN, CPN, CDP, Director, Office of Immunization
  • Dr. Jéaux Rinedahl, PhD, RN, Clinical, Quality, and Schools Section Manager, Office of Immunization
  • Janel Jorgenson, Vaccine Management Section Manager, Office of Immunization
  • Dr. Meredith Cook, PhD, Assessment Section Manager, Office of Immunization
  • Jeff Chorath, MBA, MHA, Immunization Information System Section Manager, Office of Immunization
  • Teri Maitri, Office Manager, Office of Immunization
  • Mary Huynh, MPH, MPP, CDC Senior Public Health Advisor, Office of Immunization
  • Adriann Jones, EMPA, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Immunization
  • Chas DeBolt, RN, MPH, Nurse Consultation Advisor, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Epidemiologist, Office of Health and Science
  • Sherry Carlson, Health Education Manager, Health Promotion and Health Education, Office of Public Affairs and Equity