Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway announced that Queena Tupou was named the organizations new Executive Director. Tupou will take over the role from Tono Sablan, who will now serve as a steering committee member with the Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway.
“As someone who grew up in this community, I am deeply honored to lead the Blue Zones Project in Parkland and Spanaway. This initiative represents a powerful opportunity to address the disparities that impact health and wellness in our community,” said Tupou. “By collaborating with local leaders, businesses, and residents, we can create sustainable changes that ensure everyone—regardless of background—has the opportunity to live better, longer lives.”
Tupou has been with Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway since April 2024 and has been a driving force behind much of the project’s work since then. She most recently served as its Deputy Director. In her new role, Tupou will oversee the project’s day-to-day management and decision making.
“Queena has been an exceptional leader from the very beginning. But perhaps most importantly, she keeps our community at the center of the work,” said Sablan. “It has been an incredible blessing to lead this work over the last two years. And now as I take a step back and with Queena at the helm, I have no doubt that she and her team will continue to thrive and make great strides in health and well-being for Parkland and Spanaway.”
Prior to coming to the Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway, Tupou served in multiple leadership roles throughout Pierce County focusing on marketing and health equity. She has spearheaded initiatives such as the Faith Health in Action Program, launching health ministry programs in over 30 churches serving primarily African American, Hispanic and Pacific Islander churches. Recognized for her impactful community outreach work, Tupou has been honored by the Seattle Reign and Starbucks Legends Campaign, South Sound Business Magazine’s 40 under 40 and by Washington State’s Commission on Asia Pacific American Affairs as an Unsung Hero. These accolades celebrate her innovative approaches to addressing health disparities, empowering underserved populations, and creating sustainable, inclusive solutions.
ABOUT BLUE ZONES PROJECT
Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway is a community well-being initiative sponsored by MultiCare Health Services, Pierce County, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in partnership with Blue Zones LLC, that is designed to enable community members to live longer, happier lives with lower rates of chronic diseases and a higher quality of life.
To learn more about Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway, visit parklandspanaway.bluezonesproject.com.