Star Valley Health Foundation names Ali Nilson Executive Director
Provided by Star Valley Health
AFTON, Wyo. — The Star Valley Health Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ali Nilson as executive director, effective June 1, 2026. This appointment reflects Star Valley Health’s continued commitment to investing in the future of local healthcare and strengthening partnerships that directly benefit patients, employees, and the communities it serves.
“Ali brings both a deep understanding of our hospital and a genuine passion for this community,” said Jeremy Larsen, chair of the Star Valley Health Foundation Board. “Her leadership comes at an important time, and we are confident her ability to build relationships and expand philanthropic support will have a meaningful and lasting impact on healthcare in Star Valley.”
The Foundation also extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mike Hunsaker, VP of business development, who has faithfully served as interim director since May 2025. During his tenure, Mike provided steady leadership and guidance, helping the Foundation continue its important work throughout a period of transition and growth. He will remain actively involved as a volunteer member of the Foundation Board.
As healthcare challenges continue to evolve, particularly in rural communities, Star Valley Health recognizes the increasing importance of dedicated philanthropic leadership. By appointing a full-time executive director to focus exclusively on the Foundation’s mission, the organization is positioning itself to better address community health needs, expand resources for patients and caregivers, and ensure high-quality healthcare remains close to home.
In her new role, Nilson will focus on strengthening relationships with donors, community partners, and stakeholders while expanding philanthropic support for patient care and community health initiatives. She will work closely with hospital leadership, physicians, employees, and community members to identify opportunities that enhance patient services, support employee well-being, and provide the tools and technologies needed to deliver exceptional care.
Nilson brings more than twenty years of healthcare experience and nearly a decade of philanthropic work supporting nonprofit and public organizations. Most recently, she served as Star Valley Health’s recruitment and retention specialist, where she collaborated with all departments to strengthen the hospital’s workforce and champion employee engagement and support.
A longtime advocate for both healthcare and community service, Nilson’s connection to Star Valley extends far beyond her professional experience. She and her husband are raising their three children in Star Valley, and her passion for healthcare is rooted in personal experience. As both a healthcare leader and a mother, she recognizes that the health and well-being of the community directly impacts the families, friends, and neighbors who make Star Valley such a special place to live. Her familiarity with both the hospital and the community allows Ali to step into this position with insight, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.
“I feel incredibly honored to serve in this role and continue supporting our hospital and our community,” said Nilson. “As someone who is raising my family here, this work is deeply personal to me. I understand the important role philanthropy plays in helping us meet the needs of our patients and supporting those who care for them. Every gift and every partnership helps ensure that our families, friends, and neighbors continue to receive exceptional care right here at home.”
The Star Valley Health Foundation is here to bridge the gap between what healthcare reimbursement alone can provide and what our community deserves. Through the generosity of donors and community partners, the Foundation supports investments in patient care, employee resources, education, equipment, and innovative technologies that improve healthcare for everyone in our community, helping ensure providers can remain focused on what matters most: our patients.
This leadership transition marks an important new chapter for the Foundation and reinforces Star Valley Health’s commitment to investing in both our people and our future. With dedicated leadership focused on philanthropy and community partnerships, the Foundation is well-positioned to expand its impact and ensure that exceptional healthcare remains available for generations to come.
Community members interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to connect with the Foundation at starvalleyhealth.org/
