We are pleased to announce Lauren Sato has been selected as Ada Developers Academy’s new CEO.

Lauren recently served as Vice President of Revenue at The Riveter.  In addition to a variety of roles in technology and impact investing organizations, Lauren spent five years building YearUp Puget Sound, a workforce development program that served as a model for Ada in the early days.  

​​Lauren was selected after considering candidates who represented a diverse array of backgrounds and lived and learned experiences. Hiring someone to represent Ada as their next CEO allowed them to make decisions which emphasized their values of equality and inclusion. It was amazing to see how passionate the candidates and community are about Ada’s future.

Amy is a 25 plus year non-profit professional with significant expertise in transitional leadership, building organizational capacity, crisis management and strategic planning. She is an inspirational and innovative executive dedicated to staff and volunteers. 

During her tenure as Interim Executive Director at University Beyond Bars, Amy was exposed first-hand to prison life and the challenges men and women face behind bars and upon their release. This experience had a profound impact and helped further her understanding of her own privilege and the systemic injustices which exist in our society. 

The Launch Board of Directors recently announced they have selected Mari Offenbecher, from Valtas Group, as the interim Executive Director.

Valtas Group will also help guide the Launch Board of Directors through the Executive Director search.

Mari has spent her professional career as a nonprofit leader including 25 years as the Executive Director of long-time Launch partner School’s Out Washington (SOWA). In her role at SOWA, Mari worked to advance quality, equity and innovation in building the field of afterschool and youth development across Washington State. Since leaving SOWA, she has worked as an Interim Executive Director at a variety of other local organizations including other youth-serving nonprofits.

We are pleased to announce Deidre McCormack Martin has been selected as Family Law CASA’s new Executive Director.

Family Law CASA’s Board of Directors is excited to work with Deidre’s expertise and leadership.  Family Law CASA is committed to protecting children and Deidre shares that passion and commitment.

​Deidre has over 20 years of non-profit experience with 15 years in leadership roles advocating and providing services to youth. 

Valtas Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kendra Mirasol as CEO of VitalTalk
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VitalTalk’s vision is that every seriously ill patient will be surrounded by clinicians who can skillfully discuss what matters most and match care to values. They teach communication skills to empower both individuals and institutions.

​The organization’s evidence-based training methods include intensive role-play with actors, and clinicians rapidly learn how to communicate effectively and compassionately in a safe environment. Typical training participants include doctors, social and hospice workers, chaplains and other healthcare professionals.

Valtas Group is pleased to announce that Marianne M. Jones has joined our consulting team. 
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​Marianne Jones brings over 25 years of leadership experience as a senior executive in mission-driven organizations, including leading social justice and advocacy efforts for women and girls, expanding Boston-based medical housing programs with leading corporations and healthcare institutions, establishing innovative foundation and grantmaking programs, and serving as Board member and chair of arts organizations. 

Valtas Group is pleased to announce that Amy Burton has joined our consulting team. 

​Amy brings over 20 years of executive search, recruiting, and human resource experience in a range of early and mature stage organizations, including nonprofit, philanthropic, high tech, and biotech.

​Amy enjoys recruiting leaders and subject matter experts that make transformative contributions to clients’ organizations.  She is curious by nature, a serial networker, and a lifetime learner. 

After a thorough and inclusive search for a new CEO that yielded a diverse field of very strong candidates, it was recently announced that Alyssa Macy will be the new CEO of Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters.
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Alyssa brings a strong professional background in political action, social justice, and tribal leadership, grounded in a deep, personal connection to our land, our water, and the communities they sustain.

​Alyssa comes from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, where she served as Chief Operations Officer for the tribal government. As COO she was responsible for managing a $35-million budget, and led strategic planning, communications, legislative policy, and fundraising efforts. 

Valtas Group is pleased to announce that Touré McCluskey has joined our consulting team. 
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Touré McCluskey is an accomplished senior executive with broad-based experience in leading strategic planning, new product development, and business operations. 

​Touré has held a variety of leadership roles in organizations ranging from early stage start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. He recently founded OkCopay a highly acclaimed digital health company and as Chief Executive led the company from idea through rapid growth and exit.