Since last December, Dr. McLaughlin has served as the Acting Director of DCHS. She has spent over 20 years in DCHS, including serving as the Health and Human Services Administrator and the Director of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division. In her time with the department, she has overseen a wide range of programs for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, diversion and reentry, and crisis services, including the County’s $1.2 billion Crisis Care Center Levy and the MIDD Behavioral Health Sales Tax.

“Dr. Susan McLaughlin is a thoughtful leader who brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to improving the lives of the communities we serve,” said Executive Zahilay. “She has a broad understanding of how our behavioral health, housing, and human services systems intersect and what it takes to make them work better for our residents. During her time as Acting Director, she has provided steady leadership during a critical period for the department. I’m proud to have her lead DCHS as we continue building a more responsive, effective, and equitable system of care for King County residents.” Read more.