By MATTHEW O. STEPHENS
Reporter 

Eastern State Hospital CEO Steps Down

 

Last updated 9/23/2021 at 3:49pm



MEDICAL LAKE - Eastern State Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mark Kettner resigned effective Tuesday, September 14 amid backlash about his administration’s mishandling of previous complaints about a nurse that is now accused of murder.

With the resignation Kettner’s personal investigation closes, and the Interim CEO Tony Bowie will temporarily step into the position until a more permanent candidate is chosen. The investigation was regarding the way his administration handled previous allegations regarding former nurse Joshua Phillips.

Phillips was reported to have assaulted one hospital employee in 2019, and allegedly an internal investigation was not effectively done regarding the assault. Phillips has since been charged with the murder of Kassie Dewey whom he had been in a relationship with. Dewey worked at Eastern State Hospital as a mental health technician.

Upon contacting the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Tyler Hemstreet the Media Relations Manager with the Behavioral Health Administration said the office will not be commenting any further on the matter.

Matthew can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com

 

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