Special Olympics Washington Welcomes David Wu as President and CEO

Valtas completes successful search for Special Olympics Washington who recently welcomed 
David Wu as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. 
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Wu comes to Special Olympics Washington with more than 30 years of executive-level experience in development and fundraising, marketing, government affairs, and public and private partnerships. 

Prior to joining Special Olympics Washington, Wu held senior-level leadership positions with non-profit organizations including Woodland Park Zoo, PATH and University of Washington. Most recently, he served as the chief development and membership officer for San Diego Zoo Global, and president of the SDZG Foundation. During his tenure, Wu led a team of more than 70 individuals in raising philanthropic and membership support, averaging more than $100 million annually.

Wu is a native of Hong Kong and a graduate of Virginia Tech and Bowling Green State University. He served on the boards of the Seattle Chamber, Global Washington, Global Impact, and Friends of the Waterfront, among other boards. He lives in the Seattle area with his husband.

“On behalf of the Special Olympics Washington board of directors, we are thrilled to have David join us. ” said Chris Morgan, Special Olympics Washington board chair and partner with Grant Thornton LLP. “We are confident that David’s successful track record and passion for a more equitable future for all will lead Special Olympics Washington into a new era of growth and innovation.”

About Special Olympics Washington 

​Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 19,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, ​other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Learn more at SpecialOlympicsWashington.org.​

​About Valtas Group

Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change.  
 
Valtas Group also leads the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader.
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Valtas Group partners with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments. Valtas Group has a variety of comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs.  Contact us to learn about executive interim and placement services.