FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2001
Contact: Diane Thomas
714. 834.6203
CEO Appoints Director
of Health Care Agency
(SANTA ANA) - Julie
Poulson, RN MN, 53, of Irvine was appointed director of
the Health Care Agency (HCA) yesterday by County Executive
Officer Michael Schumacher, Ph.D.
Since July 2000, Poulson had served as interim director
of HCA. The agency encompasses Public Health, Regulatory
Health, Behavioral Health, and Mental & Institutional
Health services. HCA programs serve the entire community
including children, families and seniors.
Poulson holds a bachelor of science degree from California
State University, Los Angeles and a master of science
degree in community mental health from the University
of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Poulson is a Registered
Nurse (RN) with a master's degree in nursing (MN).
"I am confident that Julie will provide the leadership
the Health Care Agency needs," said County Executive
Officer Michael Schumacher, Ph.D. "For the last nine
months she has done an excellent job managing the agency
on behalf of the County."
Poulson began working with the County 29 years ago as
a mental health nurse. Since that time she has managed
Adult Inpatient and Specialized Services and served as
deputy director of Behavioral Health.
"I'm excited and appreciate the opportunity,"
said Poulson. "We have a great team in the Health
Care Agency and I feel privileged to be in a leadership
position."
Poulson serves on the Board of Directors for the California
Orange Prevention and Treatment Integrated Medical Assistance
(CalOPTIMA), and represents the Heath Care Agency on the
Orange County Children and Families First Commission (OCCFFC).
In addition she is a member of the Health Care Council
of Orange County and the County Health Executives Association
of California (CHEAC).
HCA has nearly 2,400 employees and an approximate annual
budget of $361 million. Poulson's annual salary is $145,808
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