Over the last 25 years, Sound Physicians has grown from a bold idea into a national organization, expanding its reach and impact in communities across the country. Yet our greatest achievement isn’t measured by growth alone. It’s measured by the people who have built this organization, shaped its culture, and brought our mission to life every day.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re reflecting on the stories of our colleagues whose dedication, compassion, and commitment have shaped our past, strengthened our present, and continued to inspire what’s ahead.

A story measured in people

Twenty-five years ago, Sound looked very different than it does today.

There were fewer sites, fewer service lines, and fewer people. But according to those who’ve experienced Sound’s growth firsthand, the qualities that define our culture today were present from the beginning.

When Jessie Lovett, General Manager, Operations, joined Sound in 2007 as the organization’s first staff accountant, just a small group of colleagues supported functions across accounting, payroll, marketing, and human resources. As the company grew, teams expanded, and opportunities evolved, one thing remained constant.

“People genuinely care about each other. That spirit of helping each other and pitching in has always been there. We’ll figure it out, and we’ll get it done together.”

Years later, that same spirit is often one of the first things new colleagues notice.

Associate General Counsel Joanne Joiner remembers sensing it during her interview process.

“I have truly never felt so welcomed at a new job than I have been here at Sound. I felt in the interviews that Sound was different, and I was right.”

Both stories point to the same truth: while Sound has changed in many ways over the last 25 years, our commitment to people has remained unchanged.

Growing together

As Sound evolved, so did the careers of the people grow alongside it.

For Annie Fowler, Chief People Officer, joining Sound nearly two decades ago marked the beginning of a journey that would span multiple chapters. She started as a recruiter seeking a career change that would allow more time with her young family. Over the years, she embraced new opportunities, served in leadership roles across the organization, and ultimately became Sound’s Chief People Officer.

Senior Performance Analyst Joseph Davis experienced that growth after joining Sound through the acquisition of Cogent 12 years ago.

“I have been given many opportunities to grow professionally and personally, and I have made many lifelong friends. Sound has become my second family.”

Showing up for one another

Culture is often defined by how people come together during the moments that matter most.

For Ashley Simon, Payroll Manager, that support came when her family needed it most. Through Sound Strong, our colleague assistance program, help arrived when it was needed, but the support extended far beyond a formal program. Colleagues donated paid time off, offered encouragement, and came together to help her family in meaningful ways.

“The care went far beyond a program.”

Support for Sound colleagues extends beyond job titles and teams, creating a community rooted in compassion, trust, and genuine care for one another.

United by purpose

While much has changed over the last quarter century, Sound’s purpose has remained remarkably consistent.

For Robert Zipper, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Sound Practice Solutions, some of his most meaningful memories from 20 years with Sound are the moments when prospective partners realize the passion driving the people behind the organization.

“We’re here to make a difference in our patient’s lives and in the lives of those who share that same passion.”

For Chief Information Officer Lainie del Rosario, that connection is what has made her journey so rewarding.

“The moments that stay with me are the hours and days spent on-site with our clinical teams. Watching them raise the standard of care in the communities we serve, and knowing our central service teams are right behind them, have been the most rewarding moments of my career.”

Whether caring for patients directly, supporting clinical teams behind the scenes, building technology, developing talent, or creating operational excellence, our colleagues are united by a shared purpose that has guided Sound from the very beginning.

Celebrating the next chapter

The story of Sound’s first 25 years is filled with milestones, achievements, and growth. But it’s also filled with memories that remind us of who we are.

It’s the recruiting team tackling a Tough Mudder challenge together. It’s the legendary Halloween celebrations that brought colleagues together in the Tacoma office. It’s the friendships formed, the mentors who invested in others, the careers built, and the countless moments of connection that happened in between.

As we look to the future, Annie sees reason for optimism in the people carrying Sound forward.

“The future is bright because I can see that future in the people who are here today.”

25 years of Sound is worth celebrating because of the people who made it possible. To the colleagues who have shaped our past, contribute to our present, and will help define our future: thank you.

Our story has always been about people. And it always will be.