CEO at Western State Hospital is retiring
Contact:
Adolfo Capestany
DSHS Office of Communications
OLYMPIA- The Department of Social and Health Services announced that David Holt, Chief Executive Officer of Western State Hospital, is retiring from state service after five years at the 857-bed facility, including the last three as CEO.
“We will miss David and his leadership at Western State Hospital,” said DSHS Secretary Cheryl Strange. “He has helped lead the mission to transform the hospital, his dedication and compassion are unprecedented and we wish him all the best in this well-deserved new chapter in his life.”
As CEO, Holt led safety initiatives to reduce assaults, including standing up the STAR Ward and realizing an 8.7% reduction in patient-to-staff and patient-to-patient assaults in 2020. He also oversaw the opening of a new hospital kitchen, pharmacy, central services and warehouse as well as converting a number of civil wards to forensic. Additionally, he advocated strongly for the hospital’s equity, diversity and inclusion program, to include hiring its first full-time EDI director.
Prior to his time at Western State Hospital, Holt spent over 35 years in hospital administration and mental health leadership within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system in California.
“I am incredibly grateful for the time I’ve spent at Western, for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team and for the chance to support the compassionate care provided to our patients,” Holt said in a message to WSH staff.
Holt’s last day at the hospital will be May 7. Within the next few days an interim CEO will be appointed while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
“David will truly be missed by the team at DSHS,” said Sean Murphy, Assistant Secretary for DSHS’ Behavioral Health Administration. “He epitomizes servant leadership and a genuine compassion for the patients served by the staff. He leaves an indelible influence on the culture and future of the hospital.”
