Tacoma-based CHI Franciscan Health  announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Michael H. Anderson, MD (retired), as chief medical officer. Dr. Anderson has served as interim chief medical officer for CHI Franciscan since February 2016 and will continue his work to enhance the quality of care CHI Franciscan provides individuals and families across the region.

Dr. Anderson joined Harrison Medical Center in 2013 and served as the vice president medical affairs and associate chief medical officer of the Peninsula region. He quickly became an integral and valuable member of the leadership team at CHI Franciscan Health.

Prior to joining CHI Franciscan, Dr. Anderson served for more than 34 years in the United States Navy. During his tenure, Dr. Anderson made it his top priority to strengthen the relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which resulted in the creation of a new form of joint health care delivery. In addition, Dr. Anderson set new clinical standards for health care within the U.S. Navy’s operational forces and served as the Navy’s medical inspector general.

Nick Demerice has joined The Northwest Seaport Alliance to lead the public affairs team. Demerice brings more than 10 years of experience in government affairs. Before joining the NWSA, Demerice served as assistant director for external relations at the Washington State Department of Commerce. Demerice holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington.

Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Christina Blocker to serve on the Bates Technical College Board of Trustees. Blocker most recently served as the program coordinator of the basic food program at Sound Outreach, a non-profit dedicated to connecting people with

resources, like accessing public benefits and emergency assistance, free tax preparation, credit repair, housing, counseling and mortgage/loan modification. Prior to that post, she worked as a management aide for MDC Making a Difference in Community, a non-profit that provides services to homeless and low-income families. Blocker holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Ala.