Our Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Dena Strong has been selected to be Innovative’s new CEO, beginning January 1, 2018. The board began their search for a new CEO in the spring. After reviewing eight candidates, the board unanimously selected Dena, with her experience in business strategy, executive management, and organizational leadership and efficiencies to lead this 54-year-old nonprofit into the future. Dena has been Innovative’s Vice President of Client Services since September of 2016.
Dena has a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University in Business Administration. Early in her professional career she worked for fortune 500 companies in retail and banking. She spent 9 years working for a custom manufacturing company with headquarters in Vancouver, Washington, where she held numerous positions, eventually working her way through the ranks to become President and CEO. Dena is married, has three young daughters, and has lived in Clark County her entire life.
Dena will be replacing Launda Carroll, who will be retiring after more than 33 years with the organization. Launda will continue to be available to assist with the leadership transition and other assigned projects until her retirement on June 30, 2018.
Innovative’s Co-Board Chair said, “We all look forward to Dena’s continued growth as a leader in our community and raising awareness of the great services Innovative Services NW provides to Clark County.”