Comings & Goings: June 2022

Comings & Goings is an ongoing feature of Connections in which we highlight exciting changes happening at ANCOR member agencies and state associations.

Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities (Anchorage, AK)

Lizette Stiehr (right), AADD’s first Executive Director, who has been in the role since June 2014, is retiring as of June 30. Lizette was previously a volunteer treasurer from 2002-2006. She has over 40 years in the human services field in Alaska. She previously worked in the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services in a variety of roles including helping to develop the early intervention system in Alaska. She also was Executive Director of FOCUS and during her tenure there many developmental disability services were added to a well-respected Infant Learning Program.

Lizette has been very active in the ANCOR State Association Executives Forum over the years. Her caring and warm demeanor will certainly be missed by many. Our best wishes for a happy retirement!

Kim Champney (left) has been hired as the new Executive Director of AADD. Kim has a long history with AADD; she first started participating in AADD meetings nearly 20 years ago as a service provider and was a member of AADD’s board from 2010-2016. In 2016, Kim started a consulting practice. As a consultant, she managed multiple statewide projects including implementation of the National Core Indicators as well as the coordination of a systems change project known as the DD Shared Vision. Kim is particularly committed to strengthening the direct support professional workforce and has had the privilege of supporting the development of the Alaska Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (AADSP).

Prior to starting her consulting business, Kim worked for REACH, a Juneau-based DD service provider, for nearly 20 years.

Cottonwood, Inc. (Lawrence, KS)

Sharon Spratt (right), Cottonwood’s CEO, retired on June 3. Sharon held that position for 34 years and worked in the disability field for over 40 years. Cottonwood is a long-time member of ANCOR, currently celebrating its 50^th Anniversary. Sharon has called Cottonwood a “gem in the community.” Zak Bolick, President of Cottonwood’s Board of Trustees, recently said in a press release, “Sharon has tirelessly served and advocated for the needs of persons served at Cottonwood, Inc., as well as the entire organization for over 34 years. Her smile, energy and passion will be greatly missed. Through her visionary leadership, Cottonwood has flourished through periods of incredible change and even a global pandemic.”

Colleen Himmelberg (left) assumed the position of CEO of Cottonwood, Inc. on May 2. She has worked in the nonprofit field her entire career. Colleen has served in executive roles in public relations and media, fundraising and administration. She has worked in the fields of higher education, health care and disability services. Colleen previously was the Executive Director for Operations for Empac Group in Washington, MO, since 2013. That organization provides employment to individuals with disabilities.