Patty Hayes, RN, MN, was appointed WSBOH Chair by Governor Jay Inslee on October 18, 2023. Chair Hayes has over 35 years' experience in public health and policy. As Director of Public Health Seattle & King County, Patty oversaw the county's COVID-19 response, a staff of 1,500 and programs ranging from environmental health, chronic disease & injury prevention, direct services such as maternal-child health & school-based health, HIV/STD prevention and treatment, data and epidemiology, as well as jail health services and coordination of the EMS system in the County.
Prior positions included Executive Director of WithinReach, Assistant Secretary for DOH's Community Family Health Division and Director of DOH's Policy Legislative and Constituent Relations Office. She retired in 2021. Patty received her undergraduate and master's degree from the University of WA School of Nursing. Patty has received numerous awards including being inducted into the WA Nursing Hall of Fame in 2002; the UW Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award in 2020; and the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service in 2021 from the King County Council.
