Allie Franklin, of Federal Way, has been named the new executive director of Crisis Clinic. She will replace Kathleen Southwick, who is retiring at the end of April after 19 years of service.

Franklin brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to her new position. She previously served as the associate vice president of clinical operations at Optum Pierce Behavioral Health Organization and WA Health Homes. She also held leadership positions at Group Health Cooperative and the Veterans Administration. Franklin sits on the board of directors for The Compassionate Friends, a bereavement support organization with chapters throughout the country. She holds a master of science in social work degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and is a licensed independent clinic social worker in Washington State.

Crisis Clinic has been serving the King County community since 1964, providing a variety of telephone and online support services for people in crisis. Their programs include the 24-Hour Crisis Line, King County 2-1-1, WA Recovery Help Line, WA Warm Line and Teen Link. Last year, the agency answered more than 250,000 calls and chats from people needing support or assistance. To learn more about Crisis Clinic’s services, visit: http://crisisclinic.org.