Kristen Kussmann joins WSNA’s legal team

Kristen Kussmann joined WSNA’s Labor Counsel Dec. 4, 2023. She is assigned to work with our bargaining units at UW Medicine Montlake and Northwest, Evergreen Medical Center, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, American Medical Response, Harbor Regional Health, and Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Below is a Q&A with Kussman.

Tell us about yourself.

I am the mother of two amazing teenagers and love doing outdoor activities, particularly rowing, hiking, biking, camping, and skiing (both cross-country and downhill). I also enjoy gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. I was born in San Francisco, grew up mostly in Washington State, and also lived on the East Coast. I worked at another labor union and was in private practice, representing unions for about a decade. Prior to working with unions, I was in immigrant rights legal aid, in which I was part of a committee that successfully organized our workplace. One of my sisters is a nurse.

Why are you excited to work at WSNA?

Nurses play such a critical role in our healthcare system, which I have seen firsthand during my years of working with healthcare labor unions. I’m thrilled to be able to work with our bargaining unit members and staff!

What is your superpower?

I am very organized and fairly good at reading people.