Raines shared her excitement about the new leadership role, which begins April 1, 2026.
Grays Harbor County District 3 Commissioner Vickie Raines announced today that she has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with Community Integrated Health Services (CIHS), a regional behavioral health organization serving five counties in Southwest Washington.
In a brief public statement posted just after 6:20 p.m., Raines shared her excitement about the new leadership role, which begins April 1, 2026—aligning closely with her previously announced resignation from the Board of County Commissioners, effective March 31, 2026.
"Minutes ago (6:20pm) I accepted a position with Community Integrated Health Services," Raines wrote. "My start date is April 1, 2026. I am very excited to take on the leadership role of CEO and work with an entity that provides behavioral health services to our 5-county region. More to come!!! -Vickie Raines"
CIHS is a Washington State-based behavioral health agency dedicated to delivering quality care, including mental health and substance use disorder services, to residents across Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties. The organization offers counseling, medication management, support services, and specialized programs such as the Intensive Residential Team (IRT) for individuals with severe needs.
Raines' transition comes after more than 26 years in elected office, including 11 years as Grays Harbor County Commissioner for District 3. She had already announced in late 2025 that she would not seek re-election for a fourth term, citing the opportunity to pursue new avenues for positive community impact. In her resignation statement earlier this week, Raines expressed regret over unfinished projects—such as advancing a criminal justice facility, bolstering long-term county financial stability, and implementing key planning documents—while reaffirming her ongoing support for public safety services.
The CEO appointment at CIHS appears to fulfill that desire for continued service in a new capacity, focusing on behavioral health in the very region she has represented for over a decade.
Raines indicated that additional details about her new role and transition would be shared in the coming weeks. She is expected to wrap up remaining commissioner duties before her March 31 departure.
The Board of County Commissioners will soon address filling the District 3 vacancy through an appointment process, as urged by Raines to prioritize non-partisan candidates reflecting voter preferences over party politics at the local level.
Local leaders and community members have yet to issue formal statements on the announcement, but Raines' move marks a significant shift from county governance to executive leadership in regional behavioral health care.
For more information on CIHS, visit cihealthservices.com.
Free Business Workshops At GH College
Stabbing In Aberdeen
Former Ilwaco Fire Chief Waives Right To Speedy Trial