A Note from Larry Deal, Co-Founder and Executive Director
I’m writing with a bit of news from our corner. After nearly 19 years as Executive Director of Independence Northwest, I’ll soon be passing the torch. I’m thrilled to announce that Jessica Kral will be stepping into the role as INW’s next Executive Director, effective September 1st.
Many of you already know Jess—and for those who don’t, you’ll soon see what a thoughtful, engaging, and exceptional leader she is. She joined INW in 2008 as a Personal Agent and has steadily taken on leadership roles over the years—Lead Personal Agent in 2012, Senior Program Supervisor in 2016, and Assistant Director since 2021. She is a gifted social worker with deep knowledge of home and community-based services. I couldn’t be more confident in her ability to carry this work forward—and I’m excited for what lies ahead under her guidance. I know Jess will take INW to great new heights.
This executive transition has been in the works since 2023, led by our Board of Directors. Together, we’ve crafted a thoughtful leadership handoff, focused on continuity and stability for our customers, community partners, and staff. I’m incredibly grateful to the six exceptional women who make up our Board for their unwavering support and steady guidance each step of the way. They are INW’s heart and its compass.
As for me—I’m not going far just yet. You’ll find me working behind the scenes at INW, focusing on policy and communication work, and supporting Jess as she steps into her new role. Professionally, I’m quite excited to pivot toward a more creative, flexible (and perhaps a tiny bit less bureaucratic) role. I’ll be expanding INW’s outward-facing communications by resuming our newsletter and blog, overhauling our website, and developing educational multi-media content. And on a personal level, this creates the flexibility my family and I need as we move closer to our longer-term goal of living abroad.
When I look back on what our team and our board has built together all these years on, I’m immensely proud. On a rainy day in December 2006, a small group of us met over coffee and pumpkin pie at a NE Portland Village Inn. We held our first board of directors meeting, and with a few quick signatures, Independence Northwest was born. It was an electric time. We felt incredibly blessed to play a role in helping clear a many-decades-long waitlist for community-based services for thousands of Oregonians with developmental disabilities.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your loved ones, and this extraordinary community. It has been the experience of a lifetime.
Here’s to INW’s next chapter!
Please join me in welcoming Jess into her new role by sending your congratulations and words of wisdom, encouragement, and support to jkral@independencenw.org.
All the best to you and yours,
Larry Deal