Bonnie Ross Will Lead Unity Care NW as CEO

The Bellingham health center appointed its former chief financial officer to lead the organization starting October 5.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern civic health center building, symbolizing institutional leadership in a healthcare environment. — Unity Care NW has officially appointed Bonnie Ross as its permanent CEO, effective October 5, following her tenure as the organization's interim leader. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Unity Care NW will officially name Bonnie Ross as its new CEO on October 5, 2026. Ross has served as the interim leader of the Bellingham-based health center since June 2026 following the retirement of former CEO Jodi Joyce.

Why it matters

The transition marks a change in executive leadership for a critical provider of community health services in the region. Ross is expected to oversee operations for a federally-qualified health center that reaches thousands of residents in Bellingham, Ferndale, and the wider Whatcom County area.

Unity Care NW served nearly 24,000 patients in 2025, while predecessor Jodi Joyce concluded a six-year tenure leading the health center.

The players

Bonnie Ross

She is the incoming CEO of Unity Care NW who previously served as the organization's chief financial and compliance officer.

Jodi Joyce

She is the former CEO of Unity Care NW who retired in June 2026 after a six-year tenure.

Unity Care NW

This organization is a federally-qualified health center serving patients throughout Bellingham, Ferndale, and Whatcom County.

The details

The board of directors selected Bonnie Ross for the permanent CEO role after she successfully managed the organization as interim chief for several months. Ross originally joined the staff in 2021 as the chief financial and compliance officer before stepping into her current executive responsibilities.

Bonnie Ross joined the health center in 2021.
The organization provided care for 24,000 people in 2025.
Jodi Joyce retired and Ross became interim CEO in June 2026.
The appointment was formally announced on October 1, 2026.
Bonnie Ross officially assumes the CEO position on October 5, 2026.

Market Landscape

The leadership change follows the governance requirements and service mandates set forth by the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) program. This transition aims to maintain the operational continuity of local healthcare access as the organization navigates shifts in regional patient demand.

Patients and community members can expect continued operational stability as the health center transitions to permanent leadership. The appointment does not immediately impact existing service schedules, billing, or provider availability at local clinics.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions in community health organizations emphasize the importance of internal succession planning to ensure consistent care delivery. Patients are encouraged to check the center's official website for updates regarding clinic hours or administrative service changes.