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Executive names Betsy Jones to lead King County policy on health and human services
Summary
King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed a leader in the design of innovative health and human service programs and policies to serve as his policy advisor on health and human potential. Betsy Jones is currently Director of Product Development for the Community Health Plan of Washington.
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King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed a leader in the design of innovative health and human service programs and policies to serve as his policy advisor on health and human potential. Betsy Jones is currently Director of Product Development for the Community Health Plan of Washington.
"Betsy brings over two decades of experience in health policy, systems design and integration to the table, which will be valuable as we explore innovative ways to serve those in need," said Executive Constantine.
"I look forward to collaborating with community partners and regional governments to ensure all King County residents have the resources they need to thrive," said Jones, who will start her new position as the Executive's advisor on Health and Human Potential on October 1.
While at the Community Health Plan of Washington, Jones worked first as the Project Manager for Strategic Planning and Performance Improvement before she became the Director of Product Development. She oversaw the design and implementation of a statewide, evidence-based, innovative health care program that integrates primary care and mental health services for disabled individuals and saved the state of Washington an estimated $10 million or more during its first two years of operation.
Jones has also served as a Maternity Support Services Social Worker at Sea Mar Community Health Centers, and at the Northwest AIDS Foundation as a bilingual Case Manager. She has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington, a Masters in Business Administration from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Economics.
"My background in both front-line service delivery and high-level policy implementation will provide a broad perspective as we tackle the large issue of health and human potential regionally," said Jones. "I'm looking forward to it."
Jones succeeds Anna Markee, who served as the Executive's interim Health and Human Potential policy advisor.
"We thank Anna for her willingness to step in and fill this critical role as we conducted the search," said Carrie Cihak, the Executive's Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives. "She has made great progress and created momentum for Betsy to carry forward."
King County's Strategic Plan calls for County government to provide opportunities for all communities and individuals to realize their full potential— as defined by increasing the number of healthy years that residents live, protecting the health of communities, supporting the optimal growth and development of children and youth, and ensuring that a network of integrated and effective health and human services is available to people in need. To learn more about the King County Strategic Plan, visit www.kingcounty.gov/strategicplan.
