King County Medical Society’s Staff
NANCY L BELCHER, Ph.D., MPA
CEO
Nancy's Bio
Nancy L. Belcher is a scientific, startup, and nonprofit business world veteran. As the CEO of King County Medical Society for the past 5-years, Nancy has developed numerous engagement opportunities and support networks for physicians and their staff. Leveraging the Society’s 134-year history of partnering with physicians, patients, and legislators, Nancy proactively identifies collaborations and improves the Society’s ability to improve healthcare for all.
Nancy started her career as an undergraduate at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch), which motivated her to continue to pursue a life of science. Completing her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Drexel University and her doctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wistar Institute, Nancy received a full academic scholarship from the American Heart Association. Throughout graduate school, she also enjoyed working in the ICU at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Returning to Fred Hutch for postdoctoral research in genetics and molecular biology, Nancy stayed at Fred Hutch as an oncology research scientist. At the same time, she worked as a professor of Biology at Seattle Pacific University. After many years at the bench (and chalkboard), Nancy returned to school to identify ways to impact policy and have scientists’ voices heard at the policy tables. She received a Master’s in Public Administration focusing on policy development from the UW, Evan’s School.
Internships in the Seattle City Auditor’s Office and federal Senator Patty Murray were fascinating additions to Nancy’s career. The SR 520 wetland mitigation efforts for the Arboretum Foundation and settling a $35 million mitigation package were empowering. Nancy returned to Fred Hutch to focus on advancing scientific research and healthcare from ‘the other side of the bench’ as the Corporate Relations Director. Currently, Nancy is completing another degree at Stanford University in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and still works in the startup world.
Nancy has enjoyed nearly every step of her circuitous career path. A firm believer that varied experiences gained over time has equipped her to anticipate those strategic moments that help to advance healthcare, science, and the practice of medicine. The ultimate goal is to provide improved healthcare for all and to represent the members of KCMS with the insights that only come from working as colleagues in healthcare.
Nancy enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Dr. Chris Belcher, their five sons, and one daughter-in-law.
SALEM ADISU
Sr. Program Manager
Salem's Bio
Salem Adisu was born and raised in Seattle, where she first developed her passion for non-profit work and working with children by volunteering with organizations like Teen Feed and St. Martin de Porres and assisting as a teaching aide in Seattle schools. Experiences with these organizations inspired her to create a positive impact within the communities she is involved in and appeals to their diverse needs.
Salem continued to pursue her interests when she traveled to San Jose, California, to attend Santa Clara University. She earned a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Child Studies. During her time at Santa Clara, Salem became involved with Ethiopia Reads, an organization dedicated to improving child literacy in Ethiopia. She worked with a team to coordinate fundraisers and events and create marketing materials promoting the organization’s mission. Salem continued her professional experience by promoting student welfare programs within the SCU Office of Student Life.
Salem has returned to Seattle as a recent graduate to take on the role of Program Manager at King County Medical Society and is now a Senior Program Manager. Salem coordinated a new program to expand awareness of lead exposure and poisoning in children, developed a wide variety of CMEs, and has worked hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees to advance the KCMS mission. She is excited to begin the process of bettering a community that is near and dear to her heart.
SHURLON BRATHWAITE
Program Manager
Shurlon's Bio
Shurlon was born in Baltimore Maryland and moved to Shoreline at the age of 5. During his time growing up, he discovered his passion for helping others and working towards limiting health disparities.
This passion carried over into his studies at the University of Washington where he recently graduated with his degree in Public Health/Global Health. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, basketball and spending time with friends and family. He is greatly looking forward to working at KCMS and learning as much as he can.
LILY ASTONE
Program Manager
Lily's Bio
Lily is a senior at the University of Washington studying environmental studies and political science. Through her studies and volunteer experience with Food & Water Action, she has become passionate about helping all people obtain equal opportunities and outcomes. She is excited to nurture this passion further by interning for King County Medical Society.
JAMES PARIBELLO
Lobbyist
James' Bio
James has spent 20 years working at the local, state, and federal governments by delivering lobbying, messaging, policy analysis, and consultation for both elected officials and a broad spectrum of clients. We are delighted to have James our team KCMS team.
JAMES BLAIR
Facilities Manager
James' Bio
James Blair grew up in SE WA in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco), and moved to the Central District in Seattle in 2010. James is a long-time medical professional who joined the King County Medical Society (KCMS) as the facilities manager for the Michael Reese Building. James is a nationally certified Pharmacy and IV Technician with decades of experience working in hospitals including, Our Lady of Lourdes, Kadlec Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and the Everett Clinic. James also works as an office manager and legal assistant for his husband’s law firm, the Meryhew Law Group, who are tenants in the KCMS Building.
In his free time, James is an avid world traveler with recent trips to Asia, Africa, and Europe and many plans for more adventurous travel ahead. Some of his passions include collecting antique glass, pottery, china, silver, and linens. James is a wine enthusiast who shares his life with his husband, Brad, their two beloved Corgis, Kami and Lyndee, and their big sister, Gracie the Golden Retriever.
Other Staff:
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Accounting: Janice Piper
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Legal: Will Crowley, JD
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Website: Michael Barnes
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IT: Troy Brown