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Executive Director

Leading with Purpose. Serving with Integrity.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Washington Association of Adult Family Home Providers (WAFHA) and is responsible for leading the organization in fulfillment of its mission, strategic priorities, and long-term vision.

Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides professional leadership, manages the Association’s daily operations, supports members, develops strategic partnerships, and ensures that WAFHA remains a trusted and respected voice for Adult Family Home providers throughout Washington State.

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors and serves as the primary steward of the Association’s operational excellence.

Our Leadership Philosophy

At WAFHA, leadership is measured by service.

The Executive Director exists to support the Board, strengthen the organization, develop future leaders, and help members succeed.

Every decision should reflect four guiding principles:

Stewardship

Protect the mission, resources, and reputation of WAFHA.

Integrity

Lead honestly, ethically, and transparently.

Excellence

Pursue the highest standards in every program, service, and relationship.

Innovation

Encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and thoughtful improvement.

Responsibilities of the Executive Director

The Executive Director provides leadership in the following areas:

Organizational Leadership

  • Implement the Board’s strategic direction.
  • Lead day-to-day operations.
  • Build a high-performing staff team.
  • Foster a positive organizational culture.

Member Services

  • Ensure outstanding member service.
  • Expand membership.
  • Develop valuable member programs.
  • Strengthen member engagement.

Education

  • Oversee WAFHA Academy.
  • Support continuing education.
  • Develop leadership initiatives.
  • Expand educational opportunities statewide.

Government Relations

  • Build productive relationships with public agencies, legislators, and stakeholders.
  • Monitor public policy developments.
  • Support responsible advocacy consistent with WAFHA’s mission and legal obligations.

Financial Stewardship

  • Develop annual budgets.
  • Protect organizational assets.
  • Diversify revenue sources.
  • Support long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships

  • Build relationships with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, businesses, foundations, and community partners.

Identify opportunities that advance WAFHA’s mission.

Our Commitment to Members

The Executive Director is committed to:

  • Listening to members.
  • Responding professionally and promptly.
  • Encouraging collaboration.
  • Promoting innovation.
  • Supporting providers through education and resources.
  • Building trust through transparency and accountability.

Members are the reason WAFHA exists.

Serving them is our highest operational priority.

Working With the Board

The Executive Director and Board of Directors have distinct but complementary responsibilities.

The Board governs.

The Executive Director leads operations.

Working together with mutual respect and open communication, they ensure that WAFHA remains mission-focused, financially responsible, and positioned for long-term success.

Building the Future

The Executive Director is responsible not only for managing today’s priorities but also for preparing WAFHA for tomorrow.

This includes:

  • Developing future leaders.
  • Strengthening organizational systems.
  • Expanding educational opportunities.
  • Supporting innovation.
  • Building strategic partnerships.
  • Preserving institutional knowledge.

Leadership is measured by the organization’s ability to thrive beyond any one individual.

Executive Leadership Principles

The Executive Director strives to:

  • Lead with humility.
  • Communicate with clarity.
  • Act with integrity.
  • Build trust.
  • Encourage collaboration.
  • Welcome accountability.
  • Promote lifelong learning.
  • Inspire excellence.
  • Protect WAFHA’s reputation.
  • Keep residents at the center of every decision.

A Message from the Executive Director

“WAFHA was founded on the belief that when we invest in providers, we invest in better care for residents, stronger communities, and a healthier future for Washington’s long-term care system.

I am honored to serve alongside our Board of Directors, members, partners, and volunteers as we build an Association grounded in integrity, education, collaboration, and service.

Together, we are creating an organization that will support today’s providers while preparing the next generation of leaders.

Thank you for being part of this journey.”

Our Promise

The Executive Director’s office is committed to professionalism, accessibility, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Every member deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported.

Every partner deserves honesty and collaboration.

Every resident deserves the benefit of stronger, better-supported providers.

That commitment guides our work every day.

Leading with Purpose. Serving with Integrity. Building the Future Together.