Submitted by Cascade Connections
Cascade Connections’ Board of Directors has chosen Allison Hill to replace George Beanblossom as executive director when George retires at the end of 2023 after more than four decades of service.
Allison, as the new executive director, brings more than 30 years of experience working at Cascade Connections in various positions including the administrator of the agency’s original group home on King Tut Road and as the training director for 12 years. Allison founded the Cascade Connections Training Department in 2011, and as a DSHS Community Trainer, she has taught classes such as RIGHT RESPONSE, HCA certification, and First Aid/CPR to staff, families, and community members.
Allison believes in servant leadership and in creating an inclusive environment that prioritizes the growth, well-being, and empowerment of those around her and enables everyone in the agency to thrive as their authentic self.
For more than 30 years, she has fought for the inclusion of the individuals Cascade serves in schools, in the workforce, and especially in the community. She believes that all people are valuable, contributing members of the community, and she will continue to empower and support individuals in their community. Allison is a longtime resident of Whatcom County, earned her degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Trinity Western University, and is looking forward to her new role at Cascade Connections.
Allison recently organized a casual, open-house retirement party for George at their administrative office in Ferndale on December 14th. The gathering was filled with laughter and a strong sense of camaraderie as colleagues, friends, and community members gathered to express their appreciation. George’s compassion and commitment have left an indelible mark on the agency and his absence will be deeply felt. His family, staff, and community wish him a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures.
“We want to thank George for 43 years of service…how amazing, and what an impact he’s made in our community!” says Allison. “We have gone from serving 12 individuals to nearly 300. We hope to continue George’s legacy and see even better and bigger things to come.”
“I look forward to Cascade Connections’ future, because Allison will do a great job leading the team,” George says. “She has a competent, gifted team that will take the agency to the next level in terms of growth and organization.”
