The Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health (CACH) recently announced the hiring of Nichole Peppers as its first executive director. Peppers comes to CACH from the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), where she has served as executive director for the past four years.

Peppers was unanimously chosen by the CACH board following a highly competitive three-month search process. Board members cited her extensive experience and proven track record as an innovator and program director.

“Nichole brings a deep understanding of community health, equity, and collaboration,” said Gena Morgan, coalition board president (and Elevate Health executive director). “Her experience transforming systems of care and leading a strong ACH in Washington make her the ideal person to lead the coalition into its next chapter.”

CACH is the member organization representing Washington’s nine accountable communities of health (ACHs). ACHs are independent, regional organizations that play a key role in Washington’s Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP 2.0) and work with their communities on specific health care services and health-related social needs (HRSN) programs. As executive director of CACH, Peppers will lead the coalition’s collective efforts to advance community-driven health improvement and foster system transformation across the state.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the coalition’s first executive director,” said Peppers. “Each of Washington’s ACHs brings unique strengths and insights to the table. Together, we have the opportunity to align our efforts, elevate community voice, and improve health and well-being across the state.”

Peppers will transition from her current role at SWACH and begin her full-time position with the coalition on January 1, 2026.

Nichole Peppers named executive director of the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health