Kirsten Barlow

Kirsten Barlow is a seasoned professional in public policy and behavioral health, currently serving as Vice President of Public Policy at the California Hospital Association since December 2021. Previously, Kirsten held positions such as Legislative Consultant for the California Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators, and Legislative Advisor at the National Alliance on Mental Illness of California. With extensive leadership experience, Kirsten served as Executive Director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, where advocacy efforts resulted in significant legislative successes for mental health funding. Further experience includes roles as Executive Officer of the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health, Associate Director of Legislation and Public Policy at the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, and Information Officer at the California Department of Mental Health. Kirsten's educational background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan.