It is with pleasure that we announce the appointment of Allison Wherry to the role of the interim Executive Director of Youth Development Executives of King County. We are so excited to welcome Allison to the YDEKC community to lead the organization, following Jessica Werner who recently moved on from her role as founding Executive Director after 11 years leading YDEKC since it began in 2011.
Allison brings over 20 years of a diverse set of experiences in youth development roles in the non-profit, human services, and educational fields. Allison began her career in the Highline School District and has spent time as an Associate Executive Director at the YMCA, in the King County Library system, and the King County Workforce Development Council. Allison has an established background of leading diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout her personal and professional experience.
Youth Development Executives of King County is a diverse coalition of leaders representing youth-serving community based and nonprofit organizations across King County. The members partner with schools, communities, and families to ensure every young person has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. YDEKC connects, strengthens, and amplifies the leaders of youth-serving organizations so that all Black, Indigenous and youth of color thrive.
Allison will lead the work to create a vision to move YDEKC forward through collaboration and partnerships within the community, the staff, and advisory board. Allison will provide the guidance and commitment to procure the much-needed funding to continue the important work of the organization.
We wish Allison much success in her new role.
Sincerely,
Angela Griffin Ed.D., Chief Executive Officer, Launch
Laurie Black, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Club of King County
“YDEKC has been an essential resource for leaders in the youth development field and Allison has the opportunity to help us determine the best strategy to continue our efforts. I look forward to partnering with her to engage our membership in reimagining an organization that leads with race equity and social justice, advocates for systemic change, and impacts positive outcomes for young people in King County.” – Angela Griffin Ed.D., Chief Executive Officer, Launch
Allison Wherry
With over 25 years as a leader in the non-profit, human service and educational fields, Allison Wherry believes all people should have the right to be whomever they want to be without biased obstacles placed in their way regardless of where they live, who they are and/or what they look like. She is committed to improving the well-being of young people, families and communities by ensuring resources are available and by championing efforts that advance equity and social justice in policies and systems.
Ms. Wherry previously was an Executive Director for a non-profit in the Federal Way – Highline communities, partnering with two school districts and supporting students needing additional academic assistance. Prior to this opportunity, she taught high school math in the Oakland Unified School District. Preceding her work with the school district she was an Executive Director for ten years with YMCA of Greater Seattle, Senior Program Officer with Urban Libraries Council/King County Library System for a combined five years of service, a Planner with Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council and started her career as an educator within in the Highline School District.
Ms. Wherry obtained her degree at the University of Washington, is a proud member of the Divine Nine as a Zeta Phi Beta, and Vice-Chair of an independent girls school in Seattle called The Hatch School.