I recently received a phone call from David Jaffe, CEO of Swedish Edmonds, letting me know of his plan to retire at the end of this year. We as a community need to pause, reflect and thank him for the inspiring leadership he has brought to Swedish Edmonds and to Edmonds. He and Swedish laid out an ambitious plan to improve health care for Edmonds and South Snohomish County, and they have “walked their talk.”
David, if you don’t know, came out of retirement three-and-a-half years ago to lead the merger of Stevens Hospital and Swedish. Previous to his “first” retirement, he was Executive Director/CEO of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle (a Level 1 trauma center serving a five-state region) for 16 years. Previous to that, David was COO at the Nassau County Medical Center in Long Island, N.Y., a 615-bed Level 1 trauma center.
During his administration at Swedish Edmonds, he has brought a fresh face and new energy to the hospital. The hospital campus is growing dramatically. In anticipating the expanded needs of the greater community, Swedish Edmonds has opened a new cancer center, a new parking garage and they are currently under construction with a 78,000-square-foot ambulatory care center. Swedish Edmonds is growing and following through on their commitments.
Under David’s leadership, the hospital patient volume has grown and financial, as well as philanthropic, giving has reached new heights. At the recent Swedish Edmonds Auction held in Lynnwood, over $700,000 was raised. Since assuming leadership, the hospital has gained an ‘A’ rating for three consecutive years and the Emergency Nurses Association gave Swedish Edmonds its prestigious 2014 Lantern Award.
From the beginning, David made a commitment to become active in the community. He currently serves on the boards of Edmonds Center for the Arts and Edmonds-based Operation Military Family and he is a trustee for the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County. We see David and his wife at many local events and he has been active as a guest speaker throughout South Snohomish County.
I have had the privilege of working with David on a number of occasions. He has a warm, engaging personality and a fabulous sense of humor. At the same time, he is a great listener and an active, engaged problem solver. His leadership and vision is a valuable asset to all of us.
Even though David is retiring, there is some very good news to report. He and his wife intend to move to Edmonds! They have so enjoyed becoming involved in the community and the friendly quality of life we have, they want to stay right here!
So while we may be losing David in his role at Swedish Edmonds, we have the great opportunity to welcome him to our community as a resident, as well as keep his energy and leadership.
When you see David, please thank him for his work at the hospital and within the community.
— Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling
David has been so amazing for Swedish and it’s continued growth. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him on the ECA board and have enjoyed his presence at our many community events. I know we will all miss his stewardship at Swedish – but am so happy to hear he and Maureen will still be in the area. Enjoy your much deserved rest David.
On a professional level I am saddened to hear that David is retiring because he is such a good advocated for the health and welfare of our seniors in our community and for Aegis of Edmonds. On a personal note, it is wonderful to know that he and Maureen will continue to be involved and living in Edmonds. Thanks for your years of service David!
Mr. Jaffe, this is both awesome and sad news. David has been such a great addition for transiting Stevens to Swedish and WOW what a great role model he has been. Having said that, retirement is great! Thank YOU SO MUCH! That hospital has grown in leaps and bounds over the past couple of years!
Dave, it’s been a great pleasure interviewing you on several occasions, seeing you around town, and observing the great strides at Swedish/Edmonds during your tenure. I’m overjoyed to hear that you’ll be staying in Edmonds, and that you’ll continue to be part (an active part, I sincerely hope) of our very special community.
How fortunate are all of us Edmonds folks to have had David’s knowledge, vision and love for our people and community driving the continuous improvement of Swedish Edmonds. Please let me join others in a huge thank you and welcome, as David and Maureen move to our charming home town. David, you left it better than you found it….we should expect the same for our city and broader community in the years ahead. Your presence has and will make it better.
Thank you David for your strong support to the Edmonds Historic Museum. We are indebted to your counsel, participation and inclusion of the Museum in your many civic
activities. Enjoy your retirement!
Bill Lambert, President, Edmonds South Snohomish Historic Society and Museum
I echo all the above sentiments and want to add that after living in Edmonds for 25 years David has given Swedish Edmonds a name and friendly face that was once only buildings. It has been so refreshing in this day of technology to have someone enter our community and be so supportive in not only the medical field, but the arts and other social areas. I love that in Edmonds you can see the mayor, librarians, and Parks Department people walking around town being part of the community and we actually know their names. David, I am glad you and your wife will be moving to Edmonds to are joining our close knit community that you have helped build. Thank you and since we know your name we will be saying hello and welcome soon in person!
David Jaffe, I and certainly the board at Operation Military Family, of which you served as a board member, salute you! You are a tremendous advocate for not only the healthcare industry but also for our Veterans and their families. I celebrate your retirement and congratulate you – and know that your impact on this community will continue to have lasting effects.