MEGAN PIPER | 34

Director Of Service Operations

Providence Alaska Medical Center

“Just listen to your gut, and on the way down to your gut, check in with your heart. Between those two things, they’ll let you know what’s what.”

Hometown: Valdez

Current City: Anchorage

Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing science, UAA, 2012; Currently obtaining a Master of Business Administration with a focus in health care management from Western Governers University.

Community Work: I enjoy participating in Anchorage's Creek Cleanup, hosted by Anchorage Waterway Council every spring. It is great to get outside with a group of co-workers and clean up our beautiful community after the long winter. I also enjoy coordinating food and clothing drives for local nonprofits.

Family: Husband, Ted Sontag; and two Bulldogs, Murphy and Bruce.

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: There are so many fun and beautiful places, but my top three favorites include Valdez on a sunny day, Homer and my backyard.

Name the person you respect and why: There are many people who I respect for various reasons: My parents, for being dedicated school teachers and the impact they have made; Gene Thorpe, a retired Alaska territory police officer, for his stories and his ability to encourage people to be their true self; All health care workers at the bedside who give endless amounts of energy and compassions to their patients; Finally, my two best friends Ashely Auer and Ashley Haltness and my husband Ted for being the most kind, funny and supportive people I know.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

What was your first job?: My first job was a summer job working at Sugar and Spice, a gift shop in Valdez.

What has been your most rewarding community service?: My first experience with community service was the most rewarding: coaching youth basketball and Special Olympics was a great opportunity to connect with the community and have some fun!

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: Helping develop the Providence Alaska Transfer Center, because of the impact the Transfer Center has on coordinating health care for Alaskans when they need it the most. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: Work-life balance is so important, yet becoming harder to manage with increasing technology allowing for 24/7 access to work. My advice would be to set boundaries for yourself and use a list of priorities to set daily and weekly goals to maximize productivity while at work. Try your best to leave work at work.