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News Release

Oregon Health Authority Releases Statement On Oregon State Hospital Change Of Leadership - 08/12/26

August 12, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov, 971-239-6499.

Oregon Health Authority releases statement on Oregon State Hospital change of leadership

Salem, Ore—Oregon Health Authority releases the following statement:

After careful consideration, Oregon Health Authority Interim Director Pakseresht has made a leadership change at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) and will not move forward with Sean Murphy’s trial-service period. OHA leadership will resume recruitment for a permanent superintendent.

Effective immediately, Jim Diegel will resume serving as interim superintendent. Jim previously served in this role, has led in implementing positive changes and improvements to patient care at OSH, and will provide continuity and stability while OHA searches for the hospital’s next permanent superintendent while protecting the important progress underway at Oregon State Hospital.

Oregon State Hospital is a uniquely complex and important institution. It requires strong, trusted, accountable leadership, particularly given the needs of patients, families, employees, and the public. Because of this, superintendents are held to the highest standards possible. OHA’s focus is on ensuring that an institution as important as the Oregon State Hospital has the leadership it needs to fulfill its mission and serve patients safely and effectively.

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Oregon Health Authority Releases Statement On Oregon State Hospital Change Of Leadership - 08/12/26

August 12, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov, 971-239-6499.

Oregon Health Authority releases statement on Oregon State Hospital change of leadership

Salem, Ore—Oregon Health Authority releases the following statement:

After careful consideration, Oregon Health Authority Interim Director Pakseresht has made a leadership change at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) and will not move forward with Sean Murphy’s trial-service period. OHA leadership will resume recruitment for a permanent superintendent.

Effective immediately, Jim Diegel will resume serving as interim superintendent. Jim previously served in this role, has led in implementing positive changes and improvements to patient care at OSH, and will provide continuity and stability while OHA searches for the hospital’s next permanent superintendent while protecting the important progress underway at Oregon State Hospital.

Oregon State Hospital is a uniquely complex and important institution. It requires strong, trusted, accountable leadership, particularly given the needs of patients, families, employees, and the public. Because of this, superintendents are held to the highest standards possible. OHA’s focus is on ensuring that an institution as important as the Oregon State Hospital has the leadership it needs to fulfill its mission and serve patients safely and effectively.

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