SEATTLE – July 21, 2026 – Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), the not-for-profit offering Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare Advantage, and Individual & Family Plans, welcomes local, veteran managed care executive David Escame as its next Vice President of Market Development and Growth.
In the role, Escame leads CHPW’s efforts to expand access to high-quality, community-based health coverage across Washington. He oversees market development, member engagement, marketing and growth strategies, while strengthening partnerships with Community Health Centers (CHCs) and community organizations to drive enrollment, retention, and long-term impact across CHPW’s health plan offerings. Working across CHPW’s statewide network, he helps identify opportunities to reach underserved communities and advance the organization’s mission of improving health outcomes for all.
“David brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to leadership and a strong understanding of the opportunities facing healthcare in Washington. His ability to connect strategy with action will help CHPW build on its strengths, deepen engagement with those we serve, and continue improving access to high-quality, whole-person care,” said Betsy Jones, CHPW Chief Strategy Officer.
Escame brings nearly 30 years of marketing experience, including over two decades leading Medicaid growth and community engagement efforts in managed care, a coordinated approach to healthcare that helps improve outcomes and access to care. His leadership helped secure Medicaid contracts in Washington and Nevada and supported the expansion of services across Washington’s 39 counties.
“Over decades, CHPW has earned its strong reputation for putting people first and partnering with Community Health Centers, stakeholders, and the diverse members we serve to improve health outcomes,” said Escame. “I was born and raised in Washington; I am honored to join this incredible health plan, which is focused solely on serving Washingtonians, to build on CHPW’s legacy of partnership and service to expand access to healthcare across our communities.”
Deeply committed to community service, Escame has served on numerous nonprofit and community health boards and coalitions, including Neighborhood House, the Washington Health Coalition for Children and Youth, and Washington Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics – Champions for Children. His commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for better health has been recognized through multiple leadership and community service awards.
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About CHPW
Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) was founded more than 30 years ago by Community Health Centers (CHCs) on the frontlines of serving low-income and underserved populations, and people from underrepresented communities. Today, 21 CHCs operating more than 200 clinics serve as the governing body for CHPW and provide the foundation for its primary care network. CHPW works to advance whole-person care and community across the state. The organization covers more than 300,000 members in Washington across Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Individual & Family Plans. It is the only Washington Medicaid health plan headquartered in Washington state, and its local staff provide care and resources grounded in the communities they serve.
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Jacque Gairrett / Luke Marcoe
