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New director named for state’s largest disability group

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By ANDY MARSO

Photo by Andy Marso Tim Wood talks to Kari Ann Rinker, a lobbyist for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, at the statehouse. Interhab announced Thursday that Wood will become the organization's executive director in September, replacing Tom Laing, seated at left.
Photo by Andy Marso Tim Wood talks to Kari Ann Rinker, a lobbyist for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, at the statehouse. Interhab announced Thursday that Wood will become the organization’s executive director in September, replacing Tom Laing, seated at left.

The state’s largest organization representing developmental disability service providers announced its new leader Thursday.

Interhab, a Topeka-based non-profit that has been active in statehouse lobbying on behalf of Kansans with disabilities, announced that Tim Wood will take over as executive director in September.

Wood, a disability advocate who also has been active in Topeka for several years, will replace Tom Laing. “I have big shoes to fill,” Wood said.

“I want to provide solid leadership like my predecessor Tom Laing and move the organization forward. Obviously there are a lot of tough issues we’re dealing with but I’m optimistic and really up for the challenge.” Service providers for Kansans with developmental disabilities face a number of regulatory changes at both the state and federal level.

Wood said the main focus, though, will be on the state’s plan to collapse seven Medicaid waiver programs for Kansans with a variety of disabilities into two: one for kids and one for adults. A news release from Interhab said Wood will take on the public advocacy role that now falls to Laing, who has led the organization since 1993.

Wood is coming to Interhab from Johnson County Developmental Supports, where he is director of the county’s Community Developmental Disability Organization.

He previously worked for the Topeka-based Disability Rights Center’s End the Wait campaign, which sought to convince legislators to fund waiting lists for home- and community-based services for Kansans with disabilities.

Andy Marso is a reporter for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach him on Twitter @andymarso

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