Contact: Thomas Shapley, (360) 902-8007, thomas.shapley@dshs.wa.gov

June 13, 2012
Western State Hospital CEO stepping down in September

Jess C. Jamieson, Ph.D., the Department of Social and Health Services director of state hospitals and chief executive officer at Western State Hospital, on Tuesday announced his departure from state service as he and his wife embark on a new life journey in Portland, Oregon.

He will leave state government September 7, 2012.

"Jess has provided tremendous leadership to our state mental health hospital system," said DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration Assistant Secretary MaryAnne Lindeblad. "He leaves behind a strong Executive Leadership Team that will continue to develop creative and innovative ways to deliver services to some of the state’s most vulnerable people during a time of diminishing resources."

Jamieson is credited with laying the groundwork for a more robust system of care that serves people locally in their own communities, where they can be better supported by family and friends.

"It has been an honor to help people who are living with mental illness have access to the treatment they need and to play a role in their journey to recovery," Jamieson said. "My three years in state government have been both challenging and rewarding. I look forward to what comes next in my career and my life."

"He has brought greater cohesion between WSH, Eastern State Hospital and the Child Study Treatment Center with consistent approaches to care and operations, and substantially improved overall security and safety at the hospital’s Center for Forensic Services," Lindeblad said.

Jamieson and his team have increased the number of people safely discharged from the hospital back to their community and family.

"During difficult economic times, Jess led improvements in effective acute care and treatment for individuals with mental illnesses and in the safety of patients and staff," said DSHS Secretary Robin Arnold-Williams.

"Jess is an unwavering advocate for people with significant mental illness, whether in his role as Chief Executive Officer at WSH, or in past careers, including his leadership at Compass Health in North Sound," Lindeblad said. "This is a big loss to our leadership team at Aging and Disability Services Administration, and a loss to me personally. However, Jess leaves a great foundation to build from. I sincerely thank Jess for his leadership and his contributions that have improved the lives of individuals with mental illness in our state. He will be greatly missed."

Over the next two months, the Department will work with the leadership team at Western State Hospital to appoint an acting chief executive officer while beginning a national recruitment process.

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