Organization announcements
The Arc of King County Welcomes Dr. James Williams as New Executive Director
Renton, WA — The Arc of King County is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. James Williams as its new executive director, effective Monday, July 21, 2025. This strategic leadership transition marks a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The Arc of King County has been protecting and promoting the rights of people with IDD since 1936 and provides a mix of direct service, systems navigation, information and referral, and advocacy. The organization works in the areas of housing, health and human services, and education to support people with IDD and their families across the lifespan. Common conditions associated with IDD include autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
Dr. Williams brings over two decades of experience in delivering educational, vocational, and independent living services for people with disabilities. As a passionate advocate and a proud member of the disability community himself, he offers a unique and deeply personal perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the field today.
“Dr. Williams is a mission-driven leader whose values and vision align closely with the heart of our work,” said Stacia Irons, president of the board of directors. “His lived experience, professional background, and passion for equity and inclusion will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter of The Arc of King County.”
Prior to joining The Arc of King County, Dr. Williams served as Division Administrator for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He also led Bloom Consulting as its chief executive officer, where he specialized in vocational services and support for autistic individuals. His professional credentials include being a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, and Certified Special Education Teacher.
Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Sam Houston State University.
In a message to the community, Dr. Williams shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity:
“As the new leader of The Arc of King County, I'm honored to build upon our proud legacy of advocacy and support. In these challenging times, we see an exciting opportunity to champion the rights of people with disabilities and demonstrate the incredible outcomes possible through person-centered care and innovative initiatives like The Legacy Center. Our shared commitment to breaking down barriers will fuel our journey toward an even brighter future where everyone can truly thrive."
Dr. Williams also highlighted The Arc of King County’s new home, The Arc Legacy Center at Connection Angle Lake, as a key opportunity to demonstrate the transformative potential of innovative, inclusive housing for people with disabilities. The Arc Legacy Center will be a hub for services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and house The Arc of King County’s main office. The adjacent Connection at Angle Lake is an inclusive, accessible, and affordable multifamily community. Twenty-six of the 130 units at Connection Angle Lake are set aside for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the community features an accessible playground as well as other inclusive features.
The Arc of King County looks forward to welcoming Dr. Williams as a visionary leader and advocate for the community. His leadership promises to amplify the organization’s impact and reinforce its position as a cornerstone for disability advocacy, services, and support throughout the region.
Media Coverage
March is DD Awareness Month
DD Awareness Month is a time to highlight the many ways in which people with developmental disabilities enrich our communities and uplift our society. We are excited to celebrate inclusion and diversity with this wonderful video that explores what makes people happy! This video was produced by Informing Families, a project of the Washington State DD Council, in partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration.
