New leadership announced for Developmental Disabilities Division

Ray Jensen retired; Washburn and Woo to assumes new roles

Doug Washburn is the new Division Director for the King County Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) and Holly Woo assumed her responsibilities as the new Assistant Division Director on September 1, 2011. They take on new duties with the retirement of long-time, DDD staff member, Ray Jensen.

 Ray Jensen, Holly Woo, Doug Washburn

In announcing the appointments, DCHS Director Jackie MacLean said, "Doug and Holly are both experienced and knowledgeable of developmental disabilities and the clients we serve, and they are enthusiastic about improving and strengthening our programs and services for the future. I am confident they will serve King County, our department, and our residents well in the coming years."

Doug Washburn came to King County in 2010 to serve as the Assistant Division Director, and has been working to strengthen program coordination, performance measurement, and finance and information systems. His 23 years experience in developmental disabilities includes eight years as a program manager and executive director of developmental disabilities services and ten years as the Developmental Disabilities Coordinator for Kitsap County. Just prior to joining King County, Doug served as the Office Chief in the Office of Field Services Support for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, where he was responsible for planning and overseeing field services and programs for the six state divisions serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Holly Woo has been a King County employee for 25 years, joining DDD in 1995. She has served as a Program Manager I, II and III, increasing her roles and responsibilities over the last 16 years. She brings a solid understanding of programs and services for both adults and children with developmental disabilities, as well as experience and knowledge of state and federal legislative processes. Holly has strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated through her relationships with the state DDD, King County contract agencies, and the members of the Board for Developmental Disabilities.

Director MacLean praised the work of outgoing director Ray Jensen, who will be retiring from King County August.

"Throughout his career, Ray has worked to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities," said MacLean. "His firm belief in the rights and the capabilities of people with developmental disabilities fueled much of the work in King County over the past 26 years, and the credit for King County’s success and leadership in creating supported employment opportunities for our clients is rightly attributed to Ray. He leaves a strong legacy and big shoes to fill."

The transition begins immediately.