Salem, Ore. — Governor Kitzhaber is pleased to announce today he will nominate Lynne Saxton to lead the Oregon Health Authority as its new director. The Governor will submit Saxton’s name for Oregon State Senate confirmation during the upcoming legislative session. She will serve as acting director beginning Jan. 20, 2015.
Saxton will join the Oregon Health Authority following her post as Executive Director of Youth Villages Oregon, a provider of mental health and social services for children and families. Her successful and distinguished career includes leadership roles at ChristieCare, a children’s mental health provider, Portland General Electric, and other positions in the public and private sector.
“Lynne is a dynamic leader who has worked in a number of sectors, and proven herself effective in complex environments,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “Her success stems from her focus to drive to outcomes. I am pleased to have her lead the agency and continue our success in implementing healthcare transformation. Her experience and vision will ensure OHA continues to support those efforts and I look forward to working with the Oregon Senate on her confirmation.”
Saxton will lead the Oregon Health Authority, which is charged with improving the lifelong health of Oregonians; increasing the quality, reliability, and availability of care; and lowering or containing costs of care. The Oregon Health Authority includes most of the state’s health care programs, including Public Health, Addictions and Mental Health Services, the Oregon Health Plan, Healthy Kids, and employee benefits for public employees and school districts.
“Oregonians have a right to quality, affordable health care and it is my mission to make that a reality,” Saxton said. “The state has seen measureable health care transformation success with the Governor’s leadership, and I am honored to be part of those exciting changes while leading OHA. My commitment is to continue leading the agency and its dedicated team to produce results for all Oregonians. Those we serve deserve nothing less.”
Among her volunteer work, Saxton serves on the Oregon State Court Juvenile Justice Mental Health Task Force; the Oregon Early Learning Council; and Willamette University’s Board of Trustees. She has been recognized with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Oregon’s New Freedom Award; the Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award; and the Children’s Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award by the Oregon Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Saxton replaces interim director Suzanne Hoffman who served in the role since May.
“I thank Suzanne for her leadership and guidance as she helped the Oregon Health Authority deliver on healthcare transformation and improve the lives of thousands of Oregonians,” the Governor said.
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