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*                                                                                           May 27, 2025*






Good afternoon,

Last week, DSHS Acting Secretary Cheryl Strange retired. We are writing to share some temporary Home and Community Living (HCLA) leadership shifts.

*Bea Rector* will serve as Acting DSHS Secretary while the recruitment and selection process for a permanent secretary is completed by the Governor’s Office. This effort is expected to take one to three months.  

Bea Rector

Mike Anbesse

*Mike Anbesse*, HCLA Deputy Assistant Secretary, will step in as acting secretary for the administration. Mike has more than 25 years of experience in the health care industry, with over 15 years with HCLA (formerly Aging and Long-Term Support Administration) where he served three years as Division Director of Residential Care Services. As RCS Director, Anbesse ensured compliance with federal laws while also building strong relationships with stakeholders, providers, and DSHS administrations". "He holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Washington.



Kathy Morgan

*Kathy Morgan* will serve as the Interim Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Home and Community Living Administration. Kathy brings with her over 36 years of service to the people of Washington State. She currently serves as the Division Director for Adult Protective Services within HCLA, where her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening protections for vulnerable adults and guiding critical initiatives across the division. In this interim role, Kathy will support the leadership and operations as we navigate this important transition period.



Paula Hughes

*Paula Hughes*, currently serving as Deputy Director for APS, will lead the division as Interim Director. Paula graduated with a master’s degree in education from the University of Puget Sound, where she majored in Counseling Psychology. Paula started with DSHS in 1996. In 1999, Paula joined the division of Home and Community Services as an APS Field Investigator. Since 2001, she has provided leadership across the administration.



We welcome Mike, Kathy and Paula into these new roles and are grateful for their experience guiding services and supports for Washingtonians.

Thank you for your continuing partnership with the Home and Community Living Administration.








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