STARS, A Scottsdale nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities, bids farewell to it’s president and CEO, David Henderson, who is retiring June 30.

“I was privileged to be CEO when STARS celebrated its golden anniversary,” Henderson said in a press release. “There were times during the pandemic where STARS future was uncertain, so it was an honor to stand with founder, Mary King, and toast the historic occasion.”

He noted in the press release, “Covid provided an opportunity for STARS to pivot to the ‘employment first’ model, altering the legacy of STARS.”

“Over the last 50 years of STARS, the services provided have evolved,” Alewelt said in the release. “Under Dave’s leadership, STARS has developed and grown its Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) program. With the goal of helping people with disabilities find independent employment, the program provides training and placement assistance. This is a huge step towards providing people with autonomy.”

Henderson’s leadership journey has been marked by a commitment to growth and adaptability.

“Incoming leaders are typically faced with the task of determining how and why things are done,” he said in the release. “Through conversations with trusted advisors, I learned how to adapt my behaviors to the unique behaviors of each team member.”