News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 30, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke names Christenson to head state Health Care Authority

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today announced Gary Christenson is his choice to lead the state Health Care Authority, a cabinet agency charged with developing and administering health benefit programs for public employees, retirees and their dependents. Christenson has held the position since January 1996.

Locke said he is very pleased Christenson will be staying on in the top post at the agency, which administers a 1997-99 budget of $1.5 billion. "Gary Christenson has demonstrated strong and effective leadership in his tenure at the Health Care Authority," Locke said. "He is the best person to lead our efforts at a time when significant challenges lie ahead."

Prior to serving as administrator, Christenson, 51, was deputy administrator at the Health Care Authority, which also administers the state's Basic Health Plan, a state-subsidized health insurance program for the working poor. He was director of the Basic Health Plan from 1991 to 1993, and served as an assistant commissioner at the Employment Security Department from 1978 to 1989.

The Health Care Authority also is responsible for administering a program which provides funds for the statewide network of community clinics, serving farmworkers, the homeless, people with developmental disabilities and others with special needs.

Christenson said the issues facing the agency are as complex as ever. "I'm honored and very excited to have the opportunity to tackle the key issues ahead for this agency," he said. "I look forward to building on the successes we've already seen at the Health Care Authority."

Christenson's appointment as the permanent administrator takes effect today. His annual salary is $96,469.

» Return to this month's News Releases
» View News Release Archive

Access Washington