We are delighted to share that our Director of Wellness and Recovery, Drew McDaniel will serve as the Columbia Wellness, Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Columbia Wellness Board of Directors chose McDaniel to fill the position following the resignation of David McClay, whom moved to north-central Washington to assume the role of CEO for Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare.
I would like to thank David McClay for his leadership and guidance for these past 11 years. Under his direction, Columbia Wellness grew outside of our limitations, opened doors to more individuals in need than ever before and survived some of the most difficult challenges thrown in our path. He, along with each one of us, did our part to ensure the continuance of Columbia Wellness and our necessary service lines. We wish him the very best as he embarks on his newest adventure with his beautiful family, said CEO, Drew McDaniel.
Drew has been with the agency for over 27 years and brings a wealth of clinical experience to the role as well as deep familiarity with the agency, staff and board. Full of compassion and with a proven track record as an interim leader, Drew is a first-rate choice to maintain CWs culture and focus on strategic goals though this transitional time. He has earned respect and confidence not just from the Board and staff, but the community as a whole.
Drew added, We will move forward today with one mission and one spirit. Lets re-dedicate ourselves to each other and to the individuals we serve. Lets support one another during the difficult moments and let us celebrate with one another our achievements and accomplishments.
Employment History - Columbia Wellness Tenure
07/01/2021 - Chief Executive Officer
12/10/2020 - Interim, Chief Executive Officer
04/01/2020 - Director of Behavioral Health Care Services
08/01/2018 - Director of Clinical Services / Wellness and Recovery Center
03/01/2006 - Director of Crisis Response Services
10/01/2003 - Director of Child and Family / HIP Services
10/01/2001 - Director of Community Support / Crisis Services
01/01/2000 - Crisis Services Director of Quality Assurance
09/01/1998 - Crisis Services ITA / LRA Manager
06/01/1995 - Crisis Services Clinical Coordinator
5/31/1994 through 08/01/2018 - County Designated Mental Health Professional
7/15/1991 through 12/15/1992 - County Designated Mental Health Professional
Employment History Prior to working at Columbia Wellness
Adjunct Instructor Lower Columbia College Chemical Dependency Studies - Assessment of Suicide (2017 to Present)
Patrick B. Harris State Hospital in South Carolina Clinical Social Worker (01/02/1993 through 05/15/2004)
Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region - Regional Health Education Facilitator (Anger Management, Stress Management, Problem Solving for Couples) 1995 through 2010
Washington State Department of Child and Family Services - Family Reconciliation Counselor (1995 through 2010)
Private Practice - Foothills Counseling Services (1995 through 2000)
Education
University of South Carolina - Master of Social Work Degree (1991)
University of South Carolina, Spartanburg - Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (1988)
Tri-County College - Associate of Arts Degree and Associate of Science Degree (1986)
Key Initiatives
Integrated Service |
Community Involvement | Work-life balance |
Employee Retention |
Employee Appreciation |
Embracing Change |
Cameron Carson is the Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Wellness. He works under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for managing the financial actions across the organization. He believes in financial transparency and aims to promote a truly collaborative process with financial management. Cameron earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management & Operations from Washington State University as well as a Master's in Business Administration. He believes that the most valuable asset an organization has is its employees, and he is motivated to make Columbia Wellness a destination employment organization.
Lisa is the Director of Human Resources for Columbia Wellness. She oversees the entire HR department and its operations. Lisa began working for CW in October of 2001 as the Administration Manager. She was promoted to the Director of HR in 2009 and has continued here since. Lisa has attended Villanova University where she received her Certificate of Achievement in Human Resource Management.