Porter said the resignation was effective Oct. 1, and that Wilson was planning to retire.

"I want to thank Hal for his long service to the state, the Department of Social and Health Services, and Eastern State Hospital," Porter said in accepting the resignation.

Porter said Richard Kellogg, Director of Mental Health Systems, has been at the hospital this week, coordinating an investigation into the circumstances of last week's escape by a patient during an outing to the Spokane County Fair.

Porter said Kellogg also will work with Eastern State Hospital Chief Operating Officer Connie Wilmot, who has agreed to become the acting CEO of Eastern State Hospital during the transition. Porter said he would announce the steps in the recruitment of a permanent CEO in the near future.

Wilson, who began his state service as an accountant at Eastern State Hospital, has been with the state for more than 28 years. He was named CEO of the hospital 10 years ago.

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Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-725-1915 (Pager: 360-971-4067).

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