Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 5, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Sue Crystal to lead Health Care Authority, Locke announces

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Sue Crystal, director of his Executive Policy Office, as administrator of the Washington State Health Care Authority.

Crystal succeeds Gary L. Christenson, who is retiring.

"Health care issues will be among the most challenging of my next term," Locke said. "That's why I've asked one of my most trusted advisors to become HCA administrator."

"Sue is one of the country's most knowledgeable health care experts. She has served in essential policy-making positions with a number of health care organizations and foundations. She also is an expert in the legislative process," Locke said.

Leo Greenawalt, chief executive officer of the Washington State Hospital Association, said, "Sue Crystal has been one of the most respected health policy leaders in the country for most of the 90s. She combines a tremendous empathy for the issues of health care for workers and for the poor, yet she knows how to work well with those who must provide high quality care. There could not be a better choice."

"The Health Care Authority will have a central role in developing and administering health policies in Washington and Sue is the best person I know to lead that effort," Locke said.

The governor said he has asked Crystal to chair a new Health Care Sub-Cabinet. The sub-cabinet will coordinate policy-making and purchasing efforts by state health agencies and programs.

Responding to the appointment, state Sen. Pat Thibaudeau (D-Seattle), commented, "There is no one in Washington state who has more experience in the development of health care policy. I am very pleased."

State Sen. Alex Deccio (R-Yakima) commented, "Sue Crystal is an excellent choice and she has a good understanding of the function of the authority and the issues and will certainly do a good job."

State Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) commented, "I'm really pleased. Nobody knows the Washington health care system better than Sue. I look forward to working with her in taking the state's health care purchasing to the next level."

Cheryl M. Scott, president and chief executive officer of Group Health, commented, "Sue brings to the function two important attributes. She understands health care very well. And she understands the role the Health Care Authority has for being a good steward for state employees and the public's pocketbook."

Don Brunell, president of the Association of Washington Business, said, "Sue is very knowledgeable. We have worked very well with her in the past."

Crystal has served as Locke's policy director and deputy policy director. She also served as health policy advisor to former Gov. Mike Lowry as well as Locke. Before moving to the executive branch, she was policy director for Democratic Policy Office in the state House of Representatives and legal counsel to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

She holds a law degree from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in history/education from Washington University in St. Louis.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive