The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is excited to announce the reorganization of DDA headquarters
The Office of Developmental Disabilities became the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities in 1974 and a Division within DSHS in 1978. In a 2013 DSHS restructure, the Division of Developmental Disabilities became the Developmental Disabilities Administration. With the current DSHS structure DDA reports directly to the Secretary of DSHS.
As an administration, we have grown to nearly 50,000 clients enrolled with DDA. Over the past two years we have determined that growth needs to happen in our infrastructure as well.
DDA collected feedback from stakeholders, and worked with organizational consultants to identify available resources and design an administration that could better meet client needs. With that information, DDA finalized a plan to align business needs with current and future opportunities.
This reorganization will establish more accountability in delivering services. Three new positions will help manage the larger and complex projects, and expedite crucial decision-making.
“This reorganization comes at a critical time as the Department begins implementing recommendations identified by the Ruckelshaus Workgroup and endorsed by the Legislature,” said DSHS Secretary Cheryl Strange. “These positions will be essential to building the future of DD residential and community-based supports for people with disabilities in Washington.”
The three new positions will be filled by proven leaders that demonstrate their commitment to quality, collaboration and teamwork:
The Director of State Operated Community Residential Services will be led by Amy Price. Amy has been at the helm for one year now, and has proven her ability to lead this program into the future. The growth in SOLA programs is significant and the state needs someone of Amy’s caliber to address the issues associated with the accelerated growth of the SOLA program.
The second appointment is Tonik Joseph. Tonik came to DDA with an executive-level background, exceptional project-management skills plus incredible energy and competence. Tonik will be leading the eligibility program, field-service training and DDA’s Quality Management System. In addition, Tonik will oversee all DDA Communications.
We are equally pleased to announce Shannon Manion as the director of Field Services. Shannon began her career with DDA in 1992. In every position, Shannon has maintained a laser focus on improving service system in ways that are meaningful to individuals and families while maintaining a work environment that allows staff to work at, and perform to, their full potential.
As this reorganization moves forward, we will continue to keep you updated and introduce you to staff as positions are filled.
Evelyn Perez / DDA Assistant Secretary
|
