King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) warmly welcomes Michael Bailey as the new director of the Adult Services Division (ASD).

Michael brings more than 15 years of experience leading health and human service organizations, advancing economic mobility efforts, supporting aging adults, and co-creating community-led programs. Michael has a strong commitment to collaborative problem-solving and strategic initiative implementation that enhances service delivery, improves access points, and fosters inclusive and equitable practices within government organizations.

In this role, Michael will oversee the Adult Services Division within DCHS that directly invests in programs and services for King County’s veterans, seniors, and resilient communities. This division’s work includes implementation of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), a property tax levy that expands access to critical human services to improve overall health and well-being, create thriving communities, and reduce disparities throughout King County. The division is also responsible for operating the King County Veterans Program, one of the nation’s most robust veterans’ programs, and stewarding Keep King County Housed, a rent assistance and eviction prevention program that offers support for renters who need help covering past-due rent or have an active eviction notice.

“We are fortunate to welcome Michael to the department and look forward to his leadership in overseeing the critical investments in the division.  Michael’s experience and passion make him a great fit to lead in this work alongside the talented and dynamic team in ASD,” said DCHS Director Kelly Rider. “Michael cares deeply about working with and for community to provide vital services that address and reduce disparities. At DCHS, we are focused on mitigating inequities, strengthening the human services workforce, and building thriving communities. I am delighted to work with Michael to ensure all residents of King County have equitable opportunities to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.”

In August 2023, over 71 percent of King County voters approved the VSHSL for the fourth time, the highest approval rating in the levy’s history. Between 2018-2023 the VSHSL has:

  • Served more than 27,000 veterans, servicemembers and their families with fewer eligibility barriers than many federal programs, contributing to a 40% reduction in veteran homelessness.
  • Helped build more than 1,000 affordable homes and over 200 new shelter beds.
  • Served more than 100,000 seniors through expanded senior programming.
  • Deployed 675 bonuses to promote employee retention at 55 human services agencies.
  • Launched DVHopeline, a countywide, 24-hour multi-lingual and multimodal domestic violence hotline, that received 16,000 calls or texts and referred nearly 7,000 of those callers to additional support.

The Adult Services Division partners with communities to develop, support, and provide human services programs that improve housing stability, financial stability, health living, social engagement, and service system access for veterans and servicemembers, seniors and their caregivers, and resilient communities across King County.

“I am thrilled to join the DCHS team and work alongside such a dedicated group of individuals committed to serving King County’s communities. It is both an honor and a responsibility to lead the Adult Services Division during this pivotal time, a responsibility I take to heart,” said ASD Division Director Michael Bailey.” “Together, we will continue the important work of reducing disparities, supporting veterans, aging adults, and resilient communities, and ensuring that all King County residents have access to the services and opportunities they deserve. I am excited to partner with the residents of King County, our remarkable service providers, and other community members to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.”

Prior to joining King County, Michael served as President of Compass Housing Alliance, Deputy Director at the Seattle Human Services Department, Assistant Director of the Washington Department of Revenue, and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Outreach at the Georgia Department of Human Services.

Please join us in welcoming Michael Bailey to DCHS and the Adult Services Division!