Christina Brandt, Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Brandt has been CEO of AtWork! since August of 2006. She is leading the organization through an evolutionary transformation to change the way people with significant disabilities get and retain real jobs. Her career includes thirty years of experience working on behalf of people with disabilities, low income families, and people experiencing homelessness.
Prior to joining AtWork! Ms. Brandt served as Vice President of Operations for Volunteers of America Western Washington, overseeing a $18 million budget. She was also instrumental in the development of Snohomish County’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness which has received national attention as a best practice model. From 1998 to 2003 Ms. Brandt served as the Chief Operations Officer for AtWork! and managed human resources, crew services, and general operations for the Bellevue and Kenmore facilities. She was heavily involved in the negotiations that led to the merger of Custom Industries and Community enterprises of Issaquah to become AtWork! in 1998.
Bob Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Bob Thompson joined AtWork! as CFO in 2005. Mr. Thompson brings over 30 years of business experience and expertise to his role. His responsibilities include Financial Administration, IT services and facilities. He is a CPA and his background includes experience as Controller/CFO of small privately owned manufacturing, retail and wholesale businesses. He has served on the boards of the Scan Design Foundation and the Northwest Danish Foundation.
Jane Kuechle, Chief Development Officer
In 2007, Ms. Kuechle joined AtWork! as Chief Development Officer. She began her development career with Girl Scouts in Richland, Washington in 1983. Subsequently she held the chief development position at Camp Fire USA in Seattle, became the director of branches and then joined United Way of King County as the Director of Eastside Operations. She stepped back into a fulltime development role in 1999, joining the United Way Community Campaigns team and last served as Associate Vice President for Campaign Operations.
Ms. Kuechle is a past president of the Washington State Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and a member of the Northwest Development Officers Association. She received her BS degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon and her Masters in Not-for-profit Leadership from Seattle University in 1996.
Charles Jesse, Director of Customized Employment
Charles Jesse started as the Director of Customized Employment with At Work! in May 2007. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology, and over 18 years experience in residential and vocational programs, working with adults with disabilities and mental health issues. His vocational focus has been teaching Marketing, Job Development, Job Placement, Job Coaching, and Natural Supports. His professional goals are to help people be their best by expanding their self image. He is very commited to helping people live life to their greatest potential.
Wendy Randall, Director of Quality and Compliance
Wendy Randall discovered her passion for people with developmental disabilities 25 years ago through a volunteering opportunity, and has been involved in service to them ever since. Upon leaving an employment focus of for-profit financial management, Wendy concentrated on developing community inclusion and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The past 18 years of her employment have been dedicated to AtWork!.
Eric Hallberg, Director of Commercial Enterprises
Eric Hallberg joined AtWork! in January 2006 after 20 years of service at Wake Enterprises, Inc., in Raleigh, NC. Eric’s senior manager tenure at Wake Enterprises included the positions of Contract Procurement Director and Program Services Director. He was instrumental in procuring large manufacturing and assemblies outsource accounts with major companies during this time. He also has an extensive background in coordinating rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. Mr. Hallberg is a 1985 graduate of NC State University with a BA degree in Sociology.
Adele Taggart, Director of Human Resource
Adele Taggart joined AtWork! in 2007 as the Director of Human Resources. Her previous experience has included working in Sales, Management, and Human Resources at a company known for legendary customer service. She brings a passion for recruiting and training new employees and is known for her expertise in building professional relationships. Adele is adept providing employment strategies and has extensive experience at coaching others to peak performance. Adele is very excited to be a part of AtWork! and is eager to help bring us closer to achieving our mission!
