Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services leadership transition
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services leadership transition
For the past five years, I have had the honor to serve as the director of Indiana’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services. Today, I share the bittersweet announcement that I will be resigning from my position, effective Friday, June 4, 2021.
In early March, I shared this news with the DDRS staff and key stakeholders. In doing so, I shared my deep gratitude for the opportunity to leave this amazing, committed, passionate, talented group of people and organization on a high note. I am grateful, both professionally and personally, for all that has been accomplished – much of it thanks to the incredible network of stakeholders and advocates committed to providing meaningful support to individuals with disabilities.
Given the positive trajectory of change in the community underway, it is my intention to ensure a smooth transition and solid succession plan. To that end, I am excited to announce that upon my departure Kim Opsahl will be stepping into the DDRS director role and Kelly Mitchell will be coming on-board as the DDRS associate director.
| Kim Opsahl, J.D., joined the DDRS team in December 2018. As associate director, Kim has been a dynamic and talented addition to the DDRS team. Kim has an extensive background and experience in the disability community. Prior to her current role, she worked with the American Network of Community Options and Resources as the director of state partnerships and special projects. In this national role, she served as the liaison to ANCOR’s state association members and provided subject matter expertise in several areas including Medicaid home- and community-based services. Prior to working with ANCOR, she served as the president/CEO for the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Kim graduated summa cum laude from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2014 and is admitted to practice in the state of Indiana. Kim’s perspective as a former DSP, case manager, residential provider, trade association executive, and now state agency staff member provides a unique perspective as she works with DDRS stakeholders to drive and shape the policy and practices needed to support a person-driven system that facilitates opportunity for people to realize their good life. |
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Kelly Mitchell, MBA, will be joining the team on July 12 as the associate director of DDRS. Currently, Kelly is the president and CEO of Southern Indiana Resource Solutions (better known as SIRS). Kelly is known for her transformative and compassionate work supporting individuals with disabilities. Kelly has led SIRS as president and CEO since 2003. A Hoosier native, Kelly graduated magna cum laude with a Master’s in Business Administration, certified as a Professional in Human Resources, and holds a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences. Kelly’s career and community work has focused on developing unique, person-centered strategies to build inclusive communities and support individuals with disabilities in living their best life. Kelly played key roles in launching First Steps, rural public transit, sheltered-work conversion, employment services, and consumer-directed services. Kelly’s insight and experience as a former direct support professional, case manager, human resource professional, and executive leader will be a value-add to her work as part of the DDRS team and her work in enhancing services and supports for people with disabilities. |
I want to express my sincere gratitude for this leadership transition. Kim and Kelly will continue supporting the work already in progress and will seamlessly lead DDRS to maintain our culture of prioritizing and elevating the work we do in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.
My time as the DDRS director has been the most challenging and most rewarding role I’ve ever taken on. As our collective work moves forward, I will remain a part of the team – even if from the sidelines – and pledge to continuously support the mission and champion our cause of assisting individuals and their families to live their good life, full of opportunities, experiences, love and hope.
Sincerely,
Kylee B. Hope, Director
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services