Following is a Q&A to get to know Katie Soisson, Senior Associate, Operations and Meetings, who has been with the NHC since 2017.

Putting Patients First Blog: You have had a few different positions at the NHC since you started as a policy intern and recently transitioned to your current position. Tell us about why you wanted to work on operations and meetings?

I learned quite a lot in my roles as Policy Intern and Policy Associate. During my time working in policy, I found that I enjoyed the “behind the scenes” work that is constantly happening for finished products to come to fruition. In my current position, this is the type of work that I’m doing everyday. I love to solve problems, handle logistics, and most of all, I love all of the intricacies that come with planning meetings and ensuring the organization operates effectively and efficiently. It is a very unique role!

PPF Blog: What’s your favorite part about working for the NHC?

We are a very small organization, but we consistently put out important, high-quality work by collaborating with our equally hardworking member organizations. My favorite part about working for the NHC is being part of such an ambitious, dedicated team.

PPF Blog: What is the most important thing you’ve learned from working at the NHC?

The health care ecosystem is extremely complex, with many moving parts. Working at the NHC has taught me that patients should be at the forefront of every discussion, decision, treatment, and trial. As health care in the U.S. continues to evolve, advocating for the patient voice is as important as ever.

PPF Blog: What are you most looking forward to working on this year?

Our upcoming marquee meetings – the Science of Patient Engagement Symposium, Washington Representatives Retreat, Annual Membership meeting, and in early 2020, our Health Leadership Conference. These meetings are a great way for us to bring our members together to discuss and collaborate on pertinent issues. It has been a joy to plan these meetings, and I’m looking forward to what we can learn from each of them.

PPF Blog: You volunteer with Habitat for Humanity regularly. Tell us about your experiences with it and why it’s important to you.

I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity since I was a senior in high school, and I am now an adult facilitator in the club. Our club is one of only two high school campus chapters in Maryland. The club teaches three principles that are very important to me: responsibility, self-reliance, and humility. Working with high school seniors, fostering an environment of service, and working alongside future homeowners is a unique and fulfilling experience. Habitat for Humanity exposed me to the world of nonprofits, and helped me decide to pursue a career as a nonprofit professional. It has touched every aspect of my life, and in many ways, it is what led me to the NHC!