It is with great excitement I announce David Newell, a leader in child welfare and human services as Children’s Home Society of Washington’s new president and CEO, effective June 10.
A highly respected executive, Dave brings over 20 years of experience in social services in both direct service and leadership roles. He has a strong commitment to improving outcomes for families and implementing CHSW’s strategic plan that looks toward the future of child and family services and systems change efforts.
“Children’s Home Society of Washington has a strong history in providing innovative programs and services that help give families better futures,” Newell said. “I’m honored to continue this legacy of prevention, transformation, and giving a voice to all families.”
In his career, Dave has an unwavering commitment toward improving the lives of children throughout the country.
“As is the legacy of Children’s Home Society of Washington, we will continue to partner with families and implement ways to connect them to services and community resources that truly make a difference,” Newell said. “Children’s Home Society of Washington has had extraordinary leadership for the past 35 years under Sharon Osborne and I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff at CHSW and the families we support.”
“I’m thrilled to have Dave implement Children’s Home Society of Washington’s vision for the future as the next president/CEO. Our organization will benefit from Dave’s leadership experience and extensive knowledge of direct service and systems that impact our children and families,” President/CEO Sharon Osborne said. “He’s an innovative problem-solver and strategist, who will continue to advance CHSW’s efforts to transform the field of child and family services and improve the lives of those we serve.”
Prior to his new role at Children’s Home Society of Washington, Dave served as CEO of PromiseShip since 2010. The well-being of families and increasing public awareness about supporting the community is at the heart of PromiseShip’s organizational goals. During his time as CEO, he was part of the 2013-14 Annie E. Casey Foundation Children and Family Fellowship program that supports community leaders who are working toward system reforms that help children and families.
In addition to his time at PromiseShip, Dave worked with EMQ Families First (2006-2010) in Sacramento and executive director at Denali Family Services (1999-2006) in Anchorage.
Dave held leadership roles at various organizations, serving in a volunteer capacity on boards across the country, including Alaska Behavioral Health Association, Family Focused Treatment Association and Voice for Adoption. In 2012 and 2014, Dave was appointed by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman to serve on the Nebraska Children’s Commission (NCC). In 2016, Governor Ricketts reappointed Dave to the NCC, and in July 2017, he was elected as its chair.
He also has received honors for his outstanding work throughout the years. In 2013, the Omaha Metropolitan Child Advocacy Coalition recognized Dave for outstanding contributions to the community on behalf of children, youth and families. Child Saving Institute recognized Dave in 2016 with the A.W. Clark award for demonstrated vision and continuing outstanding service for children, youth, and families in the community.
Dave is a member of the Nebraska Children’s Commission, National Association of Social Workers and Academy of Certified Social Workers. He is also a licensed social worker in Nebraska.
He has received his certificate of Nonprofit Management and Master in Social Work from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and his Bachelor of Science in education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He has 26 years’ experience as a therapeutic foster, adoptive and birth parent.
Dave and his wife, Theresa, look forward to building their life in Seattle and supporting their community.
Andy MacDonald is the board chair of Children’s Home Society of Washington.