SHELTON, WA – Mason Health proudly announces that Chief Operating Officer Winfried Danke, MHA, FACHE, has officially earned the distinction of Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) — a mark of excellence in healthcare leadership held by fewer than 10,000 professionals nationwide.

Danke received confirmation of his fellowship in May, following a rigorous, multi-year process that reflects his commitment to professional development, civic engagement and healthcare excellence. He will be formally recognized at the ACHE Convocation Ceremony during the 2026 Congress on Healthcare Leadership.

“This was a long time coming,” Danke said. “It’s a multi-year undertaking that requires sustained effort and a broad understanding of healthcare leadership. I’m honored to join the ranks of ACHE Fellows.”

To earn the FACHE credential, candidates must meet stringent requirements, including:
•    At least one year of ACHE membership
•    A master’s or post-baccalaureate degree
•    A minimum of five years in executive healthcare management
•    Two professional references from current Fellows or senior leaders
•    Completion of 36 hours of continuing education
•    Four volunteer activities—two civic and two healthcare-related
•    Successful completion of the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management, a six-hour, 230-question exam covering topics such as finance, human resources, ethics, governance and healthcare technology

Danke’s journey included volunteering at fundraisers such as golf tournaments and bicycle rides benefitting local healthcare systems and local election support. More recently, in his current role at Mason Health, he has volunteered at Evergreen Elementary in Shelton, reading to first-grade students.

“The exam preparation was intensive,” Danke noted. “I attended in-person ACHE events, watched webinars, used flashcards, and studied a wide range of leadership topics. It’s not just about passing a test — it’s about becoming a better decision-maker.”

Danke joined Mason Health in December 2024 as Chief Operating Officer, bringing decades of experience in healthcare strategy, community development and operational excellence. He previously served as COO at Summit Pacific Medical Center, where he was known for his passion for process improvement and coalition building.

“ACHE’s emphasis on civic engagement and lifelong learning aligns with my values,” Danke added. “As healthcare leaders, we’re called to make informed, ethical decisions that impact entire communities. This credential reinforces that responsibility.”

Fellows must recertify every three years by completing additional continuing education or retaking the Board of Governors Exam. Learn more at https://www.ache.org/fache. 

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Darrin Moody, Secretary, and Lori Brady, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and the 2025 Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.
##