Colleagues, Partners and Friends,
Following the announcement that Evelyn Perez is retiring, I have chosen Debbie Roberts to fill the Assistant Secretary position for the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
While we will miss Evelyn tremendously, we thank her for 35 years of service and wish her the best in her well-earned retirement. Her good work will continue through the services we provide for years to come.
Over the last two months, we conducted a nationwide recruitment effort that resulted in several excellent applicants. Candidates for the position went through a rigorous interview process by stakeholders and cross-agency staff, as well as the Governor’s policy advisor on developmental disabilities.
After the interview process concluded, it was clear that Debbie was the most experienced and well-rounded candidate for the position. Debbie brings a passion for persons with developmental disabilities, strong management expertise and oversight of both community- and facility-based service programs operated by DDA. She has a proven record of forging strong relationships with clients, families, advocates, providers, labor and department employees.
Debbie joined DSHS in 1986. She began serving the developmental disabilities population in 2004, and became the deputy assistant secretary in 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound, and has held several leadership positions throughout her career.
In June, Gov. Inslee honored Debbie with the Governor’s Award for Leadership in Management.
Please join me in welcoming Debbie to her new role May 1 – I know DDA will continue to flourish under her leadership.
Best,
Cheryl Strange
DSHS Secretary
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