Meet Debra Duplessis, Regional Manager for Great Rivers and Thurston Mason!
By expanding its team of regional managers, people who live and work in dedicated Washington counties, CHPW is better positioned to collaborate with community partners, advocate for CHPW members and improve health experiences.
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve a team that values whole health and cares about the members in our local communities. After meeting with CHPW’s staff and understanding their mission statement and core values, I believed I was a perfect match for the organization. I understand this is an important role for the community and look forward to helping CHPW carry out its mission.”
– Debra Duplessis, Regional Manager, Regional Systems Integration, Great Rivers and Thurston Mason region at Community Health Plan of Washington
As a Regional Manager, Debra Duplessis works with local community partners to support the health of CHPW members. We asked Debra a few questions so that our community can get to know her and her work.
I joined CHPW’s Regional Systems Integration Team as a Regional Manager in April. As the newest member of the team, I am excited at the opportunity to serve as Regional Manager for the Great Rivers and Thurston/Mason regions. These regions include Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Gray’s Harbor, Pacific, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties. As part of my role, I will serve as a liaison between these communities and CHPW. I value the ability to work alongside community partners and elevate the integrated care experience for our members.
What about the role or CHPW inspired you to apply for the role?
A former co-worker highly recommended I apply for this position. She spoke so highly of CHPW, the employees and the supportive work environment. After reading CHPW’s mission statement and core values, I really believed this position was going to be a perfect match. It is exciting to function in a vital role of the whole-team-approach to members of our communities! The ability to serve within the communities in which I reside, work, and spend most of my quality time is the highest honor.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in health care?
It really was an innate decision. Early in childhood, I realized that I wanted to be of service to others and this field was a perfect match. It is immensely gratifying career profession and one that I have enjoyed for decades. My professional experience includes working within the community mental health, social work, military, and medical settings.
What is something you have recently learned or accomplished that you are proud of?
I have so much to be proud of and grateful for. Personally, I am immensely proud of my three children who grew up to be responsible, hardworking, kind, and caring adults. I’m also blessed with two grandsons and one granddaughter who is due to arrive in June.
Professionally, I am honored to have been a lead crisis counselor in the emergency department during the COVID pandemic. While the work was challenging, the pandemic was at its’ peak and the hours were long, the crisis team never stopped providing exemplary service to the patients and families in the ED (Emergency Departments) who were experiencing a mental health crisis. It was clearly a defining moment and the most intrinsically rewarding time of my entire career.
What is your favorite season in Washington state and why?
Definitely summer. As short as it seemingly is, I really enjoy the sunshine, vitality of people who are simply “out-and-about,” the scenic mountains, beaches and all of the activities that accompany the summer months. Oh, and of course…pre-season games for the Seahawks! This state has a lot to offer!