Steve Howard, Executive Director, WACOSA, will be retiring September 30, 2022. Steve’s career has spanned 36 years in the field of Human Services, with the last 14 years spent as WACOSA’s Executive Director. Under Steve’s leadership, WACOSA experienced a 65% increase in financial growth and a 44% increase in the number of people the organization serves annually (pre-COVID). Steve’s tenure also saw the beginnings of WACOSA’s first Autism Spectrum Disorders Program, the beginning of WACOSA’s first ThriftWorks! Thrift Store, growth from four to six service locations and the establishment of the WACOSA Legacy Society and first Fund Development and Planned Giving Program. Steve has been a tireless advocate for people of all abilities and guided WACOSA through many difficult and challenging times, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve has remained a consultant and surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for the past 30 years, surveying in North America, Canada and the Middle East. He plans to spend more time fishing competitively in the coming years, continuing consulting work and taking his wife and best friend, Patricia, with him on future travels.
“What an amazing honor to have played a part in the most recent chapter of the WACOSA legacy. I could not be more proud of the individuals we serve and the amazing professionals who provide these services. I wish WACOSA all the best for an amazing and dynamic future. There are still many lives yet to be impacted in the coming years and WACOSA, its staff, leadership and Board of Directors are excited to help people find their voice and accomplish their dreams”.
Steve Howard, Ed.D.
“It has been an absolute privilege working with Steve during my time with the WACOSA Board of Directors. Steve is an incredible advocate for individuals of all abilities, and his strong leadership and creative vision has shaped WACOSA into the healthy and vibrant Organization it is today. I am thankful for the countless contributions Steve has made to both WACOSA and the field of human services, and I am excited as we look to the next chapter for the Organization.”
Jon Archer, WACOSA Board Chair
Please join us on behalf of WACOSA and our Board of Directors in thanking Steve for his leadership and many contributions to the field of disability services. We will be celebrating his retirement as the time for his departure gets closer.
WACOSA’s Board of Directors is engaged in the process of succession planning with Steve’s leaving. More information will be forthcoming in the coming months as this process develops. The WACOSA Board of Directors is committed to completing the process of replacing Steve with as seamless a transition as possible.