Summary

Jackie MacLean stepping down after leading the department for more than a decade

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King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed Adrienne Quinn as director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Quinn succeeds Jackie MacLean, who is stepping down at the end of 2013 after leading the department for 11 years.

"Adrienne will build on the solid foundation set by Jackie MacLean to deliver a wide range of human services –supporting veterans, ending homelessness, preventing and treating drug dependency, and providing mental health services," said Executive Constantine. "Adrienne's experience in both the public and private sectors will be crucial as we strive to help everyone in King County achieve healthier and more independent lives."

Quinn comes to King County from the Medina Foundation in Seattle, where as executive director she led strategic initiatives to build nonprofit capacity and improve services for vulnerable populations. Quinn was instrumental in working with human service providers in homeless housing, domestic violence programs, food distribution systems, and youth development programs in 14 counties in western Washington, including King County. Quinn previously served as vice president for public policy and government relations for Enterprise Community Partners in Washington, D.C., and as director of the City of Seattle's Office of Housing.

"I am looking forward to working with Executive Constantine and his staff, the County Council, DCHS staff, and community partners to end homelessness and ensure that King County residents have the services necessary to succeed in their lives," said Quinn.

Quinn graduated magna cum laude from the Seattle University School of Law in 1996. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University, and a bachelor of arts in history from College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. She has received a number of awards in her career, including being named one of Washington's Top 50 Women Lawyers in 2006.

Executive Constantine praised MacLean for her service to King County.

"I want to thank Jackie MacLean for her leadership of the Department of Community and Human Services, and her work of 20 years on behalf of the people of King County," he said. "The partnerships she created not only strengthened our systems of care, but opened doors to housing, treatment, living-wage jobs and long-term stability for tens of thousands of our most vulnerable residents. Her contributions to housing and human services will resonate throughout our community for many years to come."

"I am exceptionally proud of my staff, our community partners, and the shared goals we have achieved for the people of King County," said MacLean. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my work as the director of the Department of Community and Human Services, and the timing is right for me to move on to my next adventure. I thank Executive Constantine for his support and leadership, and I look forward to working with Adrienne to ensure a smooth transition."

Quinn's appointment is effective November 1, and is subject to confirmation by the Metropolitan King County Council.