Island Senior Resources Brings on Michele Cato as Executive Director

Former Island Senior Resources (ISR) Executive Director, Cheryn Weiser, leaves the organization after an impressive 12 years in the role, turning the reins over to Michele Cato to continue the great work ISR has come to represent. Michele is an experienced leader with a background in nonprofit management and health and wellness services as well as a passion for serving vulnerable populations. 

​When asked about her replacement, Cheryn has said, “Michele's deep commitment to community and her understanding of the complexities of social service will make her an excellent leader for ISR.” June Nailon, Island Senior Resources Board President reiterates this sentiment in saying, “ISR is incredibly fortunate in bringing talent dedicated to excellence in community nonprofit leadership and management to Island County.”

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This change in leadership comes as the organization celebrates 50 years of service in the Island County community. Michele will now be responsible for continuing vital community initiatives for seniors and adults with disabilities, as well as the people who care for them.

About Island Senior Resources

For the last 50 years Island Senior Resources has served their community by providing resources for seniors and adults with disabilities to help them live well and thrive. ISR offers a full gamut of programs including aging and disability resources, in-home care, medical transportation, nutrition services, private in-home providers, health insurance benefits advising, and virtual specialty support groups.
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Their efforts aim to help the populations they serve to meet their basic needs, remain independent, and age in place, as well as genuinely feel seen, valued, and heard. The staff and volunteers at ISR believe that treating people with respect and dignity provides the intrinsic support they need to live their best lives. 

About Michele Cato

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​A native of Snoqualmie, Michele has led health-centered non-profit programs in the areas of AIDS prevention, family planning, and maternal and infant health throughout her impressive career.

​Her expertise is in global health and community development, but she fuses this focus with an emphasis on private sector approach to risk-taking, innovation, and accountability. Her leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and values integrity in decision-making. This perspective is apparent in everything she does whether she is leading a diverse volunteer team or overhauling a key program initiative. As a former colleague of hers stated, 

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Michele brings so much to the table as a colleague - wise and supportive- and the ideal partner for a demanding proposal - she fills all roles - planning, writing, supportive team work, strategic thinking. She has an uncanny ability to attend to detail while holding a sound strategic vision.

​Michele has a BA in Political Science and an MBA in International Business & Marketing from the University of Washington as well as an executive leadership program degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School. She is fluent in Spanish as well as French.

Connect with Michele Cato >

About Valtas Group​
Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helping organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change. We lead the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership. As nonprofit recruiting and search consultants we support organizations as they identify the ideal Executive Director or leader.

​Additionally, Valtas Group partners with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments. We offer comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs.  Contact us to learn about our executive interim and placement services.