What inspired you to join Project ECHO?
I was drawn to Project ECHO because of its mission to serve the underserved. With a background in finance, operations and organizational development, I knew I could make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes, by building the systems that support our teams and amplify our impact.
The idea that I could help create the infrastructure that enables real change was incredibly compelling to me. This role allows me to contribute my expertise to something that directly benefits communities, while supporting the people who deliver care.
What also inspired me was the organization’s vision and ability to turn a powerful idea into real-world impact. I wanted to be part of that momentum: helping an innovative model reach more people, more places and more urgent challenges.
How does your background prepare you for this role?
I’ve worked in both the public and private sectors, always focused on improving systems, supporting people, and driving organizational effectiveness.
These skills allow me to lead with both structure and heart, something that’s central to ECHO’s work, where strategy and mission go hand in hand. I love supporting the people who make ECHO happen, hearing their stories of impact, and knowing that the systems we put in place make it possible for them to do their best work.
What’s one moment at ECHO you’re especially proud of?
I’m especially proud of helping to build Project ECHO’s values-based culture. When I joined, our values existed, but they weren’t fully integrated into how we hired, evaluated and supported our teams.
We revamped the hiring process to reflect our values and help us find the most qualified candidates as well as the best cultural fit. We also redesigned our performance evaluation system so that it’s rooted in those same values, ensuring that people feel seen, supported and aligned with our mission.
It’s been an intentional, organization-wide effort, and it’s still a work in progress because culture is something you build every day. Watching our teams thrive in this environment is one of my greatest joys, and I see the results of this work in action.
What excites you most about the future of ECHO?
The ECHO Model can be applied to so many challenges, wherever expertise is concentrated in one place and needs to be shared more widely. That means our potential for growth is enormous, and the opportunities to innovate are endless.
We have an opportunity to strengthen communities, scale our programs, and ensure that no matter the location, people have access to the knowledge and support they need. That vision motivates me every day.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and exploring new places. Whether it’s walking along the beach or spending time outdoors, being near the water helps me reset and reflect. I value balance in my life, and being able to recharge makes me better at supporting the mission I care so deeply about.
Connect with Lynn Waln on LinkedIn to learn more about her work advancing Project ECHO’s mission.
Featured Image: Waln in Kauai, Hawaii, November 2024. She describes Kauai as “her favorite place on Earth.” Photo Credit: Steve Waln.