Chief Executive Officer

About the Department

The mission of Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is to radically improve how Washington residents secure health insurance through innovative and practical solutions, an easy-to-use customer experience, our values of integrity, respect, equity and transparency, and by providing undeniable value to the health care community.

The Exchange is a public-private partnership that operates Washington Healthplanfinder, the eligibility and enrollment portal used by one in four Washington residents to obtain health and dental coverage. Through this platform, and with support from a Customer Support Center and statewide network of in-person navigators and brokers, individuals and families can shop, compare and enroll in private, qualified health plans (as defined in the Affordable Care Act) or enroll in Washington Apple Health, the state Medicaid program.

The Exchange embraces the following equity statement adopted by our Board of Directors:

Equity is fundamental to the mission of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The process of advancing toward equity and becoming anti-racist is disruptive and demands vigilance to dismantle deeply entrenched systems of privilege and oppression. While systemic racism is a root cause of many societal inequities, we must also use an intersectional approach to address all forms of bias and oppression, which interact with and often exacerbate racial inequities. To be successful, we must recognize the socioeconomic drivers of health and focus on people and places where needs are greatest. As we listen to community, we must hold ourselves accountable to responding to recommendations to remedy inequitable policies, systems, or practices within the Exchange’s area of influence. Our goal is that all Washingtonians have full and equal access to opportunities, power and resources to achieve their full potential.

SUMMARY
The CEO provides strategic leadership for the Exchange, guiding its direction, strengthening key partnerships, and ensuring organizational effectiveness in a dynamic health care, insurance and public policy environment. Working closely with the Board, Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and staff, the CEO advances the Exchange’s mission, builds public and stakeholder trust and positions the organization to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The CEO leads an organization of more than 200 employees, supported by a multidisciplinary executive team overseeing finance, operations, legal affairs and strategy, information technology, equity and community partnerships and communications.

The role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including oversight of the individual and small-employer markets; qualified health plan requirements and certification; enrollment and outreach; eligibility and appeals; reporting to state and federal authorities; annual budgeting; and the development of innovative approaches that make health insurance more efficient, effective and affordable.

Beyond operational leadership, the CEO serves as a key representative and advocate for the Exchange, engaging directly with policymakers, legislators,  government officials, industry leaders, and community partners. The successful candidate will bring the political and policy acumen needed to navigate state and federal priorities, influence healthcare policy and sustain productive relationships across the Exchange’s authorizing and stakeholder environments.

This is an opportunity to lead a technology-forward, policy-intensive organization through its next stage of organizational maturity — balancing internal organizational leadership with external engagement, adapting to changing priorities and strengthening the Exchange’s impact on access to health coverage across Washington.

Position Duties

Set strategic direction: Establish the Exchange’s strategic priorities in consultation with the Board and ELT, responding to evolving health insurance markets, health care delivery trends, emerging opportunities and state and national legislative and political dynamics.
Support effective Board governance: Partner closely with the Board Chair and members, maintain clear and consistent communication and support productive Board meetings and informed decision-making. 
Build strategic partnerships: Develop and sustain relationships with federal and state officials, health care industry leaders, community stakeholders, key vendors and partners supporting federal grant funding and health reform.
Lead legislative and policy engagement: Guide the Exchange’s legislative and policy agenda, align advocacy priorities with organizational strategy and engage policymakers on issues affecting the Exchange and the people it serves.
Represent and advocate for the Exchange: Serve as a visible, credible spokesperson with policymakers, partners, the public and media, communicating the Exchange’s mission, impact, priorities and role in Washington’s healthcare system.
Lead and develop the executive team: Establish clear priorities, expectations and accountability while fostering collaboration, leadership development and shared ownership of organization-wide outcomes.
Strengthen organizational performance: Ensure financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, technology and systems performance, risk management and delivery of strategic and business priorities.
Lead organizational culture and change: Build trust and transparency, strengthen leadership capability, support a healthy and collaborative workplace and guide the organization through evolving priorities, responsibilities and ways of working.
Advance innovation and continuous improvement: Encourage practical, technology-enabled solutions and data-informed decision-making that improve service delivery, strengthen the customer experience and advance the Exchange’s objectives.

ABILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE
The successful candidate will bring the leadership capabilities, judgment and interpersonal skills needed to lead a complex organization in a highly visible and evolving environment. 
Desired abilities and knowledge include:
•Demonstrated success building, developing and leading high-performing executive teams and organizations through significant change and uncertainty.
•Understanding of health insurance markets and the relationships among consumers, carriers, providers, regulators, public programs and healthcare delivery systems.
•Political and policy acumen, including the ability to work effectively with governing boards, elected officials, government agencies and policymakers.
•Proven ability to build trusted relationships, partnerships and coalitions across diverse constituencies and advance shared priorities through collaboration and influence. 
•Understanding technology-enabled service delivery and the strategic role of digital platforms, cybersecurity, data and technology in providing reliable and accessible services. 
•An analytical, data-informed approach to decision-making, with the ability to translate strategy into clear priorities and measurable results. 
•Exceptional communication and public-speaking skills, including the ability to explain complex issues and facilitate challenging conversations with diverse audiences. 
•A collaborative, approachable and grounded leadership style characterized by integrity, humility, resilience, transparency, sound judgment and emotional intelligence. 
•A commitment to public service, equity, inclusion and diversity, reflected in organizational leadership, decision-making, and engagement with the communities the Exchange serves. 
•An innovative and adaptable approach to problem-solving, with the ability to identify opportunities, manage competing priorities and guide the organization through ambiguity.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: 
•At least 10 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, including significant experience in one or more of the following — healthcare, health insurance, health policy, government or another highly regulated environment.

•Significant understanding and working knowledge of state and national healthcare reform laws, as well as healthcare delivery system trends and issues.

•Demonstrated experience working effectively with a governing board or comparable governing body, including supporting informed decision-making, navigating governance roles and maintaining appropriate relationships between executive leadership and governance.

Desired:  
•Advanced education in business, health administration, public administration, public policy, law or a related discipline. Equivalent executive experience will be considered.

The Exchange recognizes that candidates bring diverse combinations of experience, expertise and leadership strengths. The preferred abilities and knowledge are intended to guide the search rather than serve as a checklist. Candidates whose experience and capabilities align with many of these attributes are encouraged to
apply

Other Qualifications

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
This position will be open until we find a suitable number of candidates to review. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Jennifer Barnes ([email protected]). Click here to view the Chief Executive Officer recruitment announcement. 

This position is open until filled. Applications, nominations and expressions of interest are invited and will be reviewed as received. The position is open until filled; however, applications received by November 23, 2026, will be assured fullest consideration

The CEO serves in an at-will employment relationship with the Exchange. Either the CEO or the Exchange may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause.

The CEO is based in Olympia, Washington, in a hybrid arrangement that includes regular travel throughout the state for meetings and community engagement.

SALARY INFORMATION
Annual salary range: $191,994–$239,992. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; and participation in Washington’s public retirement programs.

The actual salary offer will consider candidate experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and the market.  Our compensation policy reserves the salary range above the midpoint for employees who are meeting and exceeding expectations and for growth and development, up to the maximum. 

BENEFITS
Take a peek at our benefits package. https://www.wahbexchange.org/content/dam/wahbe-assets/careers/WAHBE%20Benefits%20Package1.pdf

WORKING CONDITIONS
Core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are times where irregular hours will be required.  The preferred duty station is our Olympia, Washington headquarters.  The nature of this role relies heavily on remote and in-person collaboration.  Leadership and managerial roles are required to work in-office a minimum of two to three days per week and must be able to travel as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of their position. Travel requirements will be limited, however there may be occasions where an employee is required to travel and work irregular hours to attend meetings or trainings. Duties of this position require the use of standard office furniture and equipment, including setup for remote work. The employee is responsible for providing and maintaining a safe, ergonomic, and secure workspace at their remote location.   

The working conditions and physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This position may involve access to confidential data such as personally identifiable information (PII) and is designated as moderate risk. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to appointment and every five years thereafter. The results must meet the Exchange’s eligibility standards. Additionally, the position requires completion of the annual Security and Privacy Awareness training.

OTHER INFORMATION
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.

This is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We participate in E-Verify. You can view the Department of Justice's Right to Work poster here.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov