Chris Coolbaugh

Chris Coolbaugh is a seasoned executive and U.S. Army Veteran with over 25 years of experience guiding organizations through complex operations and transformational change. His leadership spans both military service and Washington state government, with a consistent focus on improving agency performance and delivering meaningful outcomes for communities.

Prior to joining the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Chris served as Director of Strategic Planning and Quality Compliance for the Developmental Disabilities Administration at DSHS. In that role, he led statewide strategic planning initiatives, strengthened quality systems, and advanced continuous improvement efforts that enhanced services across Washington.

Chris is deeply committed to ensuring veterans and their families have access to the benefits and support they’ve earned. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, ability to build strong partnerships, and dedication to results that improve the quality of life for those who have served.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors with his wife and four children.