The Management Committee is responsible for policy-making and operational oversight.

Nicholas J. Kassebaum, MD, Surgical COAP & Spine COAP Medical Director

Dr. Nicholas J. Kassebaum is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and also Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Metrics Sciences and Global Health at the University of Washington where he leads a research team at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. He completed undergraduate studies at Macalester College, medical school at Vanderbilt University, and came to Seattle where he completed an anesthesiology residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He practices anesthesia clinically at Harborview Medical Center as part of a dedicated group of perioperative professionals.

Jean-Christophe A. Leveque, MD, FACS, Spine COAP Management Committee Chair

Dr. JC Leveque is a neurosurgeon at Virginia Mason Medical Center, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Dr. Leveque specializes in complex spinal surgery, pituitary tumors, peripheral nerve surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. He currently serves as the Head of Neurosurgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center, and has served in the past on numerous regional and national committees focusing on the treatment of patients with primarily spine-related neurological disorders. He has an extensive publication history and has active research interests in the treatment of lumbar spine disorders, understanding risk as it relates to surgical decision-making, and developing newer minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Vickie Kolios-Morris, MSHSA CPHQ, Vice President, Clinical Quality

Vickie serves as Vice President of Clinical Quality for the Foundation for Health Care Quality (FHCQ), where she provides leadership for the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP) and the Spine Care Outcomes Assessment Program (Spine COAP), and collaborates with clinical experts and stakeholders supporting the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program (Cardiac COAP) and Obstetrical Care Outcomes Assessment Program (OB COAP). She works closely with clinicians, hospitals, and healthcare leaders across Washington State to advance data-driven quality improvement initiatives that improve patient outcomes, reduce unwarranted variation in care, and strengthen the quality, safety, and value of healthcare delivery.

With more than two decades of experience in healthcare quality, program development, operations, and strategic leadership, Vickie has led the growth and implementation of collaborative quality improvement programs that support measurable improvements in clinical care and outcomes. She holds a Master of Science in Health Services Administration and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

An active leader in the healthcare quality community, Vickie has served in numerous leadership roles with the Oregon Association for Healthcare Quality, including multiple terms as President, and currently serves as Board Secretary and Washington State Liaison, supporting professional development and healthcare quality advancement across the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about fostering collaboration among providers, health systems, and community partners to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

Management Committee Members