The suspense is over: Anchorage Police Chief Ken McCoy has announced on social media that he is going to work for Providence Alaska, a major hospital in Anchorage and the state. He will join the organization as its first-ever chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer on Feb. 14, two weeks after he retires from the Anchorage Police Department on Feb. 1.
The announcement was also made on the Providence Alaska blog on Wednesday.
“Ken brings to this role a track record of forward-thinking leadership with a gift for discovering and molding talent and motivating inclusive, equitable teams,” Preston M. Simmons, Providence Alaska CEO, said in a press release.
McCoy’s job includes identifying, developing, and maintaining relationships to “integrate diversity and inclusion with health initiatives that advance health status,” as well as access and awareness in the community, the release said.
“McCoy will be responsible for coordinating efforts to promote culturally competent, patient-centered care as well as diversity and inclusion within the Providence Alaska workforce.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion, grounded in justice and integrated into all aspects of health care, are vital for improving patient health outcomes and quality of life,” said Simmons. “Thirty-eight percent of the Providence Alaska workforce identifies as people of color, and we serve some of the country’s most diverse communities. Ensuring Providence continues creating a diverse and equitable workforce while providing equitably delivered services is essential to our mission of serving all.”
McCoy is joining Providence after serving as chief of police of the Anchorage Police Department. He was with the force for 27 years.
McCoy earned a bachelor’s degree in justice from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a certificate in criminal justice from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is also an active member of a variety of local and national boards focused on justice and law enforcement, including a role as vice chairman of the board of directors for Standing Together Against Rape (STAR).
“After serving the public for nearly three decades, it was important for me to continue to make an impact in our community,” said McCoy. “Joining Providence allows me to continue my work guiding teams and organizations with diplomacy, dignity and fairness.”
Leftist members of the Anchorage Assembly and the Anchorage Daily News have race-baited over McCoy’s announced departure in recent weeks, insinuating that he did not want to work for the current mayor. Until today, McCoy has been mum about his plans.
