Leadership Changes at Chelan Douglas Health District Amid Budget Cuts
EAST WENATCHEE — The Chelan Douglas Health District is undergoing significant changes in leadership due to budget cuts to public health funding.
On May 18, the Board of Health finalized a separation agreement with chief administrator Kristen Hosey after a closed-door session. This agreement was based on Hosey’s submission of a resignation letter, which the board received on the same day.
Kristen Hosey, a certified public health nurse, became the agency’s administrator following the departure of the previous administrator, Luke Davies, in 2024. Before stepping into this role, she directed nursing programs at Wenatchee Valley College and served as an appointee on the health board.
In a special meeting held on Monday, the board appointed deputy administrator Corey Lawson as the interim health administrator. Lawson will see a pay increase of 7% following his new role.
During the meeting, Lawson informed the board that the upcoming layoffs will impact 1.4 union-represented roles, two executive positions, and one additional role that may not be replaced. He confirmed to reporters that Hosey’s departure was not linked to these layoffs. However, the health district has not disclosed specifics about the affected positions or the criteria used for the layoffs.
Lawson also detailed that the agency faces budget cuts of $300,000, stemming from a $29 million reduction in Foundational Public Health Services by the state Legislature. He noted that all personnel impacted by these changes have been informed.
