As Executive Director, Kellan is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, fundraising and evaluation of Care Share Health Alliance. She spends more than half of her time working in partnership with local communities to improve access to care and health coverage for our uninsured neighbors.
What do you enjoy about your position with Care Share?
I really enjoy facilitating strategic planning processes, public speaking and sharing the great impact collaborative networks are having across the state. I’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing board and staff to create programs, policies and approaches that leverage resources, supports our collective learning, and fosters collaboration with the goal of achieving health equity for all.
What inspires you about your work with Care Share?
Our commitment to building on local assets and creating programs and approaches that improve health at the individual and community levels. I really think people just want to be healthy so they can work and care for their families. I believe our collective work helps people live more productive, healthy and happy lives. In the process, I’m afforded the opportunity to meet amazing people from different sectors, build partnerships, and learn from their wisdom and expertise. I’m always inspired by the people I get to meet and their commitment to doing this important work as well as the volunteer spirit of the providers who donate their time and services to care for uninsured people living in their communities. I’ve also been inspired by the more 280 community based organizations who participate in the NC Get Covered Coalition and are working so hard to get and keep people covered through the ACA.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Stay connected to friends and family, travel, try new restaurants, wine tastings, hike, bike, read and watch movies. And, I love an afternoon nap on the weekends.
What have you been reading or watching lately?
Hillbilly Elegy, by JD Vance and The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I love to watch Madam Secretary and all of the NCIS shows.
Have you been on any recent, meaningful trips?
I turned 50 last year, so I’ve had a wonderful year of travel from Napa Valley to Paris, France, and many places in between. I love living in NC because I get to visit the mountains and the beaches, and all great places in between, while traveling to meet with communities.
Do you have a favorite quote or poem?
“If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.” ~African Proverb
