We’re thrilled to share that ADEC’s CEO, Chris Kingsley, has been elected to serve on INARF’s Board of Directors. Board members are selected by their fellow INARF members and represent the collective voice of the association. The Board plays a vital role in guiding association policies, shaping member services, and maintaining a strong professional interest section and corporate committee structure. They convene monthly to address key issues impacting members and to strategize on effective solutions.
INARF is the principal membership organization in Indiana committed to strengthening the system of services and supports for Hoosiers with disabilities by representing providers of services to people with disabilities.
As the newest board member for INARF, Chris sees this opportunity as both a personal and professional milestone—one that allows him to grow as a leader while contributing meaningfully to a mission he deeply values. We sat down with Chris to hear what this experience means to him and our agency.
You can read the full interview to hear his insights and reflections below.
What does this opportunity mean to you personally and professionally?
This is a great opportunity to grow both personally and professionally and to contribute to important statewide work that benefits people with disabilities.
Can you share what motivated you to accept this position with INARF?
I have been impressed with INARF since starting in this role. It is a well-organized and effective industry group that delivers on the value members are looking for: effective advocacy, professional development opportunities, best practices sharing, and networking. Being a part of maintaining and enhancing this value proposition is meaningful for me and ADEC.
How do you see your role on the INARF board aligning with ADEC’s mission and values?
The saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” is apt. ADEC’s specific mission impact takes place in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, but the stronger our industry and statewide influence are, the better equipped we are to make this impact. Our mission to empower people with disabilities to live fulfilled lives in their communities aligns with policy positions and professional development initiatives that INARF champions at a broad level.
What unique perspectives or experiences do you hope to bring to the board?
It’s an interesting question. I have significant experience with affordable housing initiatives and bring a unique perspective of having served as a CEO in two nonprofit industries. Those are certainly relevant, but I am aware that there are any number of experiences that may prove valuable in ways I wouldn’t anticipate, and that is true for all of us. I was a collegiate athlete. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood that struggled with drugs and crime. I lived in Ecuador for a year. I worked as a commercial painter. I worked as a pastor. I taught personal finance. None of those jump out as relevant, but they shape the perspectives I bring to any leadership venue.
INARF plays a big role in advocating for provider organizations across Indiana. What are some key issues you hope to help address in this new role?
A big one is ensuring that services that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are adequately funded. Medicaid is a program in the crosshairs at the state and federal levels. The effectiveness of INARF in articulating the case for robust funding that allows for strong providers and competitive wages is critical for us as a provider in succeeding with our mission. The other is to continue advocating for well-designed regulations and compliance activities that effectively prevent bad actors in our industry without unduly burdening good actors like ADEC. This can be a hard balance to strike, and INARF needs to always be at the table to provide feedback and suggestions.
How do you think your involvement with INARF will benefit the individuals and families served by ADEC?
INARF seeks to influence the industry and strengthen providers. When this work is successful, it means greater effectiveness, stability, and predictability in services for people with disabilities and their loved ones. The design and promise of services are only as good as the provider and its staff who carry them out.
What are you most excited to learn or experience as a new board member?
I am excited to work alongside the other 12 board members, 11 of whom are provider CEOs. I know I will learn a lot from these peers, even while learning more about and better understanding industry and governmental dynamics that impact ADEC and those we serve. I am excited about the ways this learning and growth will impact ADEC.
INARF focuses heavily on collaboration among its member organizations. What opportunities do you see for ADEC to connect and grow through this network?
A lot is possible. Collaboration starts with deep trust, which relies on strong relationships. Increased involvement through INARF board membership will help deepen relationships with other provider CEOs as well as people in government. Collaboration could take the shape of partnering with other providers to pilot an initiative. It could mean pooling resources to increase buying power for medical and other benefits offerings. It could mean joint messaging and advocacy on certain issues. Any one of these, or others, may make sense, and the way to ensure they can happen is to be at the table. This role is one more way of being at the table.
What message would you like to share with the ADEC community about this new chapter in your leadership journey?
Growing as a leader should always be about growing in our capacity to serve. INARF board membership is a way to contribute more to a cause that all of us, as well as ADEC as a whole, care deeply about. Importantly, this type of involvement in industry leadership should be and is an expectation for the CEO of a leading organization like ADEC. It’s important to understand that my seat at this table is a result of the great work our former and current staff and leadership have done and are doing. I represent that in my role and am honored and humbled to do so.
Article by Cassidy Rehrer | Marketing and Communications Specialist
