DSHS names interim Western State Hospital CEO
Contact:
Adolfo Capestany
DSHS Office of Communications
acapestany@dshs.wa.gov
OLYMPIA- The Department of Social and Health Services announced today that Charles Southerland will step in to lead Western State Hospital as the interim Chief Executive Officer while a search is underway for a permanent replacement of the retiring CEO, David Holt. He begins his new role on April 23.
Southerland has served as the hospital’s deputy CEO since 2018. Prior to that, he served the forensic patient population as a ward administrator. He previously worked for the Department of Corrections for 20 years in various leadership roles and was a mental health technician at Western from 1990–1996. He has a bachelor’s degree in urban cultural studies and master’s in human resources from The Evergreen State College.
“Charles knows the changing mission of Western State Hospital well,” said DSHS Secretary Cheryl Strange. “Behavioral health transformation is on the state’s ‘to-do’ list and continuity of operations is critical for this time in our journey and his steady hand is vital in that transformation.”
During his time as a leader at Western, Southerland led the establishment of a recruitment team to hire critical shortage positions such as psychiatrists and nurses, served as the executive sponsor for the hospital’s mentorship program, and launched the first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program, while also earning a certified diversity executive certification.
“Charles brings tremendous expertise and steadfast leadership that will serve the hospital well during this time of transition,” said Sean Murphy, Assistant Secretary for DSHS’ Behavioral Health Administration. “He has a strong connection with staff that will continue to help guide Western’s future. He is also a firm believer that diversity is a mission-critical piece of our culture.”
A search for a permanent CEO will begin immediately and is expected to take several months.