Chad Melton Named WEDA 2026 Economic Development Advocate of the Year

KEDA Vice Chair and Healthcare Leader Recognized for Advancing Workforce Development, Regional Investment, and Healthcare Expansion in Kitsap County

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Chad Melton, Interim President, Puget Sound Market and President of St. Michael Medical Center, has been named the 2026 Economic Development Advocate of the Year by the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA). The award was presented at WEDA’s Winter/Spring Conference in Olympia/Lacey.

WEDA’s Economic Development Awards recognize outstanding achievement in advancing economic vitality across Washington State.

KEDA nominated Melton for his leadership in workforce development, regional investment, and healthcare expansion in Kitsap County.

Melton helped secure a $2.5 million investment from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) toward Olympic College’s Health Sciences Expansion in Poulsbo. That investment contributed to a $10.5 million public-private partnership, expanding Allied Health training programs including radiology, surgical tech, ultrasound, phlebotomy, and the Practical Nursing Navy Corpsman Bridge Program. The renovation was completed in October 2026.

A KEDA board member since 2022, Melton has served as Treasurer and now Vice Chair. He played a key role in advancing KEDA’s five-year regional strategy, One Kitsap, and under his leadership, VMFH increased its investment in KEDA 2.5 times, becoming a Champion Investor and helping strengthen the organization’s public-private funding model.

Melton has also overseen significant healthcare investments in Kitsap, including two new freestanding emergency rooms in Bremerton and Port Orchard and a $120 million expansion at St. Michael Medical Center, adding 74 hospital beds.
“Chad’s leadership reflects the very best of economic development advocacy — investing in workforce, expanding access to care, and strengthening the region’s long-term economic foundation,” said KEDA leadership.