The Board of Directors and staff at Outside In are pleased to announce the selection of Heather Reppeto as their next Executive Director.
Reppeto comes to Outside In with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare leadership, mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, program development, and organizational transformation.
“In my first weeks with Outside In, my top priority has been to listen and learn from the dedicated folks – our staff – who bring our mission to life every day,” Reppeto shared.
Most recently, Reppeto served as Chief Health and Wellness Officer for the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) of the Northwest, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) whose work is similarly-aligned with Outside In’s mission and dedication to Portland’s marginalized communities. In her role with NARA, Reppeto led medical, dental, pharmacy, psychiatry, and health information services, expanding access to care across multiple sites, improving quality ratings, and implementing culturally responsive, trauma-informed initiatives to better serve diverse communities.
“We are so pleased to have Heather join us at Outside In,” says Theresa O’Leary, Outside In Board President. “Her unique combination of experience, education, and connection to our community is the right match for what’s needed to lead Outside In right now and into the next chapter of our rich history.”
On a personal note, Reppeto is from the Cherokee Nation. She’s a Mom, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Auntie, Friend, and Community Member who grew up a coal-miner’s daughter, enduring poverty and domestic violence, in a small Kentucky town before relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 1999.
When she’s not at work, Reppeto can be found spending time with family and friends enjoying many PNW past times, including camping, boating, crabbing, clamming, reading, and traveling.
“In my leadership style, I believe it’s important to not only be kind, but to also be the change you want to see,” says Reppeto, who officially joined the Outside In team on September 10th.
Since 1968, Outside In has transformed thousands of lives by helping break cycles of chronic homelessness, poverty, and poor health in and around Portland. The agency seeks to provide an affirming environment for people to receive judgement-free care and to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
To learn more about Outside In or to give a gift in support of the agency’s critical work, visit outsidein.org/donate.