Our leadership

Appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson, Ryan serves as director of the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), guiding the agency’s strategy, operations, and partnerships to advance health outcomes for residents statewide. Prior to joining HCA, Ryan served as Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing and Medicaid Director for the Maryland Department of Health. His career includes leadership roles in large, integrated delivery health systems, including hospital, outpatient, and community health center settings. Further, he has served in public service executive leadership roles in both state and national Medicaid policy capacities with a consistent focus on access, quality, equity, and innovation.

Dr. Fotinos is a family physician who specializes in addiction medicine. She leads HCA’s Apple Health (Medicaid) Administration, overseeing the Medicaid Customer Service Division and Medicaid Programs Division. Her team ensures Apple Health provides high-quality, cost-effective care to over two million clients while meeting federal requirements. In addition to her leadership role in Medicaid, Dr. Fotinos also serves as HCA’s deputy chief medical officer.

Dave Iseminger leads the ERB division, which provides health insurance coverage to eligible public and school employees, their families, and retirees through the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. His team oversees the design, procurement, and delivery of health plan benefits. They also promote wellness programs that support healthy lifestyles.

Teesha leads DBHR, which plays a vital role in delivering mental health and substance use disorder services across Washington State. Under her leadership, DBHR supports people and families facing behavioral health challenges, connects communities to treatment and recovery resources, and works to expand access to care statewide.

The division oversees behavioral health treatment services, including mental health and substance use disorder care, crisis services, recovery support, medication-assisted treatment, and problem gambling prevention and outreach. DBHR also works with schools, youth programs, and employers to promote prevention efforts and build healthier communities.

As Chief of Staff, Taylor serves as a strategic advisor and organizational leader, working across divisions to advance agency priorities. She leads high-impact projects and initiatives that improve performance, support innovation, and strengthen operations. Taylor also oversees key agency functions including legal services, planning and performance, enterprise program management, audit and oversight, customer experience, and health equity.

Catrina oversees the agency’s financial operations, including external relations, quality assurance, and staff development, ensuring the responsible stewardship of public funds in support of the agency’s mission. Catrina partners closely with agency leadership, state partners, and stakeholders to maintain transparency, compliance, and efficiency in all financial activities.

As Chief Operations Officer, Lou ensures HCA operates effectively and efficiently. He leads key operational areas including data governance, technology services, and employee resources. Lou focuses on building strong internal systems, modernizing digital tools, and supporting a skilled, resilient workforce.

Mich’l leads the Strategy, Policy, and Innovation (SPI) Division. In this role, she directs statewide health transformation efforts aimed at advancing value-based, whole-person care. Her division manages key initiatives such as the Medicaid Transformation Project, value-based purchasing strategies, and coordinates HCA’s legislative activities to align the agency’s work with state and federal health care priorities.

Mich’l also plays a pivotal role in shaping health policy through her leadership in the Health Care Cost Transparency Board and the Universal Health Care Commission, contributing to efforts aimed at improving affordability and access to care across Washington.

Kennedy leads the Communications (COM) Division, guiding strategic messaging and communications planning across all areas of the agency. Her team helps tell the story of HCA’s innovative work to expand equitable access to high-quality, high-value care. The division manages internal and external communications, media relations, constituent services, and visual communications, including print services, forms, publications, and design.

Aren, an enrolled member of the Chevak Native Village Qissunamiut Tribe, leads the Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA). He advises the agency on maintaining government-to-government relationships with Tribes, ensuring compliance with federal Medicaid requirements. Under Aren’s leadership, OTA supports Tribal health care programs, Urban Indian Health Programs, and other Indian health care providers. The office is dedicated to assisting Tribal Nations and guiding HCA leadership, staff, and managed care organizations in navigating the unique relationship between Tribal Nations and the state of Washington.

Dr. Zerzan-Thul is a general internal medicine physician and HCA’s chief medical officer. She leads the Clinical Quality and Care Transformation (CQCT) Division, making clinical policy decisions to guide medical coverage, maintain quality standards, and ensure evidence-based practices for clients’ medical care. She oversees pharmacy coverage policy, Medicaid medical benefit policy and utilization management, authorization services, care transformation efforts, and the prescription drug program. Her work supports clinically sound, cost-effective care for Washington residents.