Centerforce announces executive director retirement and successor appointment

Dec 3

Centerforce’s Board of Directors is announcing the retirement of its long-serving Executive Director Debby Graham, effective at the end of the year. Concurrently, we have hired her successor Mark Mattke as the nonprofit’s new Executive Director, effective Dec. 16.

Celebrating a legacy of leadership

The Board extends its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Debby Graham for her profound 32 years of leadership. Since May of 1994, Debby has grown Centerforce into a robust agency serving approximately 300 clients in individual employment, community inclusion,and related services across Pierce, south King and Thurston counties.

A tenure marked by strong professionalism and passion, she successfully navigated challenges ranging from legislative policy shifts and funding consistency issues to the unique management challenge of delivering services remotely during the COVID crisis. Her legacy is a testament to her dedication and extends not only to Centerforce but also within the region’s intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Let’s celebrate and honor her career and this well-earned retirement.

Welcome the new Executive Director

Following a comprehensive executive search process, the Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Mark Mattke as its new Executive Director. Mark will officially begin his role on Dec. 16, ensuring a strong and smooth transition period.

Mark joins Centerforce from the Spokane Workforce Council, where he served as its CEO for the past 19 years. He was responsible for uniting private and public partners to transform the regional talent development system. His work ensured that a diverse workforce had access to meaningful employment and that the dynamic needs of businesses were met. Mark led an innovative organization that successfully leveraged and blended multiple revenue streams from federal, state, local and philanthropic sources to support a customer-centric model and achieve client outcomes.

Liz Wishaw https://lizwishaw.com