It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to step down as CEO of Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities at the end of 2021.  The opportunity to lead the effort to create and sustain Quality Trust as a strong and independent advocacy organization has been a privilege and the highlight of my career in support of people with disabilities.  I can still clearly remember the day I first saw the announcement for this position.  The opportunity to be a part of making life better for people with disabilities in a place as important to me as Washington DC was a dream come true.  I have cherished every day. 

Quality Trust’s mission is and will always be very important to me.  We have worked in partnership with people who have disabilities and their families to make steady improvements in the services systems that people rely on to assist them – but there remains much work still to be done.  My decision to step down as CEO reflects my assessment that it is time for both me and the organization to make a change.  Transitions as significant as this are best done in a thoughtful and planned way.  I have worked closely with the Quality Trust Board of Directors to put plans in place that will support a smooth transition to a new leader who I am confident will bring the energy and vision needed to keep the momentum for change moving forward and to achieve more great things in the future.

I remain committed to the success of Quality Trust and the children and adults with developmental disabilities in this city.  My family has strong roots here and I have always been proud to consider myself a Washingtonian.  The relationships that I have developed over the past 19 years have been some of the strongest and important in my life.  This was clear in the outpouring of support and love I received following my husband’s death earlier this year.  I have let the Board know I am available to support the work of Quality Trust as needed and will always be one of their most devoted supporters.  And I am confident that this community will support the board and staff of Quality Trust to make a successful transition to new leadership and tackle the challenges remaining.