Judy Kinney leaves End of Life Washington

On February the 1st, we recieved the news that Judy Kinney resigned as Executive Director of our member End of Life Washington. She and Board President Teresa Chiftis wrote a letter.

Board President Teresa Chiftis:

With sorrow, but also with gratitude, the End of Life Washington Board of Directors announces the departure of Judy Kinney as Executive Director. Judy joined End of Life Washington in April of 2020 and, over almost three years, has solidified End of Life Washington’s ability to protect, support, and advocate for Washingtonians’ end-of-life choices. Under Judy’s leadership, End of Life Washington:

• Adapted to changing client and community expectations in an era of a global pandemic, racial reckoning, and high uncertainty.
• Grew resources – people, presence, and finances to meet unprecedented client growth.
• Partnered with health providers to launch the Aid-in-Dying Provider Network and with underserved people and communities to help equalize access to end-of-life care in Washington.
• Evolved to build skills across the organization that leads to racial equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging, and transitioned from an operating to a governing board of directors.
• Invested in communications, outreach, education, and infrastructure.
• Revitalized trust among the board of directors, staff, volunteers, community partners, and donors.

Judy leaves End of Life Washington in a solid position to continue progress in these areas. Over the next month, we will do the internal work needed to begin a search to find the next Executive Director. The Board of Directors strives to maintain confidence, care, and continuity in this transition. We will share the job announcement soon and ask you to keep in mind any potential candidates in your community.

The Board of Directors wishes Judy the best of luck in her future endeavors. Her last day with End of Life Washington is February 24th. We appreciate the dedication and enthusiasm she has given End of Life Washington in her tenure with us. We are confident that this transition will be smooth with Judy’s support for our clients, volunteers, generous supporters, and staff.

If you have any questions or concerns during this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach me directly at t.chiftis@comcast.net.

Executive Director Judy Kinney:

After almost three rewarding years of serving Washington’s end-of-life choices community as Executive Director of End of Life Washington, I recently submitted my resignation to the board. Moving into the next chapter of my career with GenPride, Seattle and King County’s resource for LGBTQIA+ Aging, is bittersweet.

I’m incredibly proud of the board, staff, volunteers, and supporters’ accomplishments for End of Life Washington over the past three years. I’m also profoundly grateful for all the relationships I’ve built as Executive Director. The Washington end-of-life choices community is one of a kind, and it’s been a joy to work alongside you and all the other supporting partners of our cause.

I remain deeply committed to End of Life Washington and the trust you have shown in this organization via your support. I will collaborate with the Board of Directors and staff to help the organization transition into new leadership. I will be available to the new hire for any questions they might have throughout 2023. I trust the Board of Directors fully in making an excellent selection for the next Executive Director and look forward to joining the End of Life Washington community in welcoming them.

Thank you for your work supporting end-of-life choices in Washington alongside me. I am committed to remaining a passionate advocate for End of Life Washington and bodily autonomy, especially at the end of life.

Thank you

Judy Kinney, MSW