Innovative Services NW
Executive Staff

Launda Carroll, President/CEO, has been with Innovative Services NW for twenty-five years, most of those as Executive Director of the organization’s children and family programs. She was appointed President and CEO by the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2008.

Launda has extensive knowledge of and experience in the fields of disabilities, family systems and program development. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Washington. Launda and her husband, Rich, have been married for 40 years and are the parents of twelve children; nine of whom are adopted and have special needs. They were also licensed foster parents for the Division of Children and Family Services for 19 years.

Launda has represented the organization in both appointed and volunteer positions on a variety of community, regional and state committees involving early learning, early intervention, disabilities, special education, supported employment, prevention of child abuse and neglect as well as other issues that affect the quality of life for children, adults and families in our community. lcarroll@innovativeservicesnw.org

Carl Cecka, Vice President, has over 30 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation during which time he has worked extensively with the medical, funding, and employer communities in assisting people with disabilities to achieve meaningful and rewarding work lives. He has held leadership positions in non-profit and private sector vocational rehabilitation as well as in in-patient and out-patient medical rehabilitation in adult and children’s hospitals. Carl joined Innovative Services NW in December of 2003. ccecka@innovativeservicesnw.org

Luanne Block, Director of Human Resources, established Innovative Services NW’s Human Resources department in 2003 after serving for 23 years as the Executive Director of adult programs under various “Encore” names. The adult services originally operated as an activity center, then a sheltered work program. In the early 1990’s, under Luanne’s direction, the program was the 2nd in Washington to successfully transition to community employment. Luanne received her national Professional of Human Resources certification in 2004. She has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with master’s work in Special Education. lblock@innovativeservicesnw.org

Susan Hefta, Finance Manager has a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University in Psychology and Sociology with minors in Anthropology and Philosophy (Magna Cum Laude.) Served as a volunteer (8 years), Board Member (4 years) and Facilitator (2 years) for the A.P.P.L.E. program, a parent co-op within School District 81. Susan spent a number of years in the retail/wholesale business and the last 10 years in financial and administrative positions with Vancouver non-profits. Susan has been with Innovative Services NW as Finance Manager for two years. shefta@innovativeservicesnw.org

Dawn Johnston, Development Director, has worked in the non-profit field for 9 years and has 7 years of Development experience.  Dawn has been with Innovative Services NW since 2003.  She has served as the Development Director since July of 2008. Dawn currently oversees all fundraising efforts of the organization including Innovative’s “Care” themed event; the Caring Heart Awards, the Care Cup, and the Care Affair.  Dawn is currently a member of the Willamette Valley Development Officers.  Dawn holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Covenant College.  djohnston@innovativeservicesnw.org

Susan Veneruso, Marketing Manager, has an MBA and a Masters of Technology Management from Washington State University, Vancouver. She joined Innovative Services NW in February 2004. Susan operated as the campaign staff for the successful “A Future for All” capital campaign that resulted in the creation of Innovative’s new building, the Mary Firstenburg Family Center. She now provides marketing support for Innovative Services NW overall and for each of its numerous programs. sveneruso@innovativeservicesnw.org

Kristi Criswell, Executive Assistant, joined Innovative Services NW in February 2010. She is a California native and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Before relocating to the Pacific NW in 2005, Kristi worked for an environmental nonprofit organization. In Vancouver, she has worked at Nautilus, Inc. and enjoyed her time, although unfortunately short, at the Community Foundation for SW Washington. She is very happy to have the opportunity to resume working for a nonprofit organization! kcriswell@innovativeservicesnw.org

Innovative Services NW
9414 NE Fourth Plain Road
Vancouver, Washington 98662
(in the Mary Firstenburg Family Center)
Phone: (360) 892-5142
Fax: (360) 892-2157