James S. Fitzgerald has joined Kirkland-based EvergreenHealth as its in-house district general counsel, effective Sept. 2.
Fitzgerald, currently the senior member of the Kirkland-based law firm of Livengood, Fitzgerald & Alskog, has a long-standing history of working with EvergreenHealth.
He has served as EvergreenHealth’s outside district general counsel since 2001 and has worked on hospital matters since 1978. In doing so, he’s been actively involved in EvergreenHealth’s dramatic growth as a preeminent provider of health care services to the Eastside and Puget Sound region.
“Jim brings 35 years of broad legal experience to EvergreenHealth,” said Bob Malte, CEO of EvergreenHealth. “Equally important, he is well acquainted with our organization, our mission and our history of serving to meet the needs of our community. In addition, Jim is an important member of our community and brings with him a valuable perspective that will continue to support our greater community of patients, families and residents.”
In his new role, Fitzgerald will be a part of the senior management team, with overall responsibility for EvergreenHealth’s legal affairs and services, including continuing to provide legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners and management.
He will also advise and counsel EvergreenHealth in tracking and following the laws and regulations that apply to health care institutions and providers, and will support EvergreenHealth’s commitment to providing the best and safest care possible.
“We are very supportive of this great opportunity and transition for Jim,” said David Johnston, managing member of Alskog. “His ongoing relationship and understanding of EvergreenHealth and its legal needs will certainly make for a smooth transition. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Jim and EvergreenHealth, and providing counsel to the other great Livengood, Fitzgerald & Alskog clients that he has represented over his many years with the law firm.”
Fitzgerald is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the Washington State Society of Healthcare Attorneys, the Health Care Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Washington and Oregon State Bar Associations and several other legal associations. He is a 1978 graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and a 1975 graduate of the University of Washington School of Business.
