Our Leadership Team

Executive Leadership

Jonathan Pleger

President/CEO

jpleger@mside.org

I grew up in Buffalo, New York and moved to Washington State in 1997, trading the snow for the rain.  I’ve worked in the non-profit sector since then with an emphasis on development/fundraising.  I was previously the Vice President for Development at Morningside for five years.  It was during that time when I realized my passion for Morningside’s mission and the importance of focusing on people’s strengths and abilities.  I became President/CEO in August 2018 and am excited to lead this wonderful organization.

When I am not at work, you can find me:  Backpacking and camping (or planning my next trip), reading, watching sports (especially hockey), and dreaming of someday living off the grid.

Fun fact about me: I once hiked 51 miles in 19 hours with a 35 pound backpack as part of the “Ranger Marathon” while on staff at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM.

Jaime Britton

VP Operations/COO

jbritton@mside.org

Growing up in Flint, Michigan, I had the privilege of attending Michigan State University where I graduated with a BA in Human Resources. My passion thrives working for non-profits as I believe in their mission and enjoy playing a role in their service. Since relocating to western Washington in 2012, I’ve established roots and become part of the community. The mission and core values of Morningside evoke compassion and support for others. Recently assuming the role of Chief Operations Officer from the role of Chief Financial Officer, it is vital to truly understand the importance of connecting finance and operations in order to improve efficiencies across the organization. My hope is to play a role in extending Morningside’s success, championing it, and participating in its development in the future.

When I am not at work, you can find me: Running in nature, spending time with my daughters, enjoying breweries and wineries, and traveling.

Fun fact about me:  I recently jumped out of a plane from 13,500 feet.

Don Hayden

VP IT & Facilities/CIO

dhayden@mside.org

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. I graduated from St Martins College. I took a job with Morningside in 1992 to earn a little extra money for grad school. 31 years later I’m still at Morningside. I’m a Microsoft Certified System Engineer now and love working with our wonderful staff.

When I’m not at work, you can find me: I enjoy the outdoors (preferably when it’s sunny) and discovering new craft breweries.

Fun fact about me: I have attempted to climb Mount Rainier five times and I have jumped out of a perfectly good airplane (twice!).

Program Leadership

Adam Cline

Regional Manager

Individual Employment/Community Protection

acline@mside.org

Bobbie Jo Sweet

Regional Manager

Transition/Pre-ETS

bsweet@mside.org

Stacia Gerdts

Regional Manager

Individual Employment

sgerdts@mside.org

Steve Hughes

Regional Manager

Business Development/DVR/FCS

shughes@mside.org

Administrative Leadership

Avery Nunez

Accounting Manager

anunez@mside.org

Brett Hopkins

IT Manager

bhopkins@mside.org

Debra Bowne

Facilities and Administrative Services Manager

dbowne@mside.org

Michael Collins

Director of Finance

mcollins@mside.org

Sky Chafee

Quality Assurance Manager

schafee@mside.org

Whitley Butler

HR Manager

wbutler@mside.org

Meet our Board Leadership

Morningside's board of trustees is composed of local leaders with a variety of skills, backgrounds, and experiences. They guide our organization through strategic planning and financial stewardship, .

“Everyone deserves a chance. Everyone can do something. An employer can match a job that their business needs to fit the strength of the person with a disability.”

- Erica Nation, Pita Pit

“Looking past the disability and seeing the person that they really are is the biggest thing.”

- Thomas Black, Warehouse Demo Services

“Felix is awesome. He is a huge help to us. He does everything that is asked of him and he is a good guy.”

Hany Mosad, Manager of the Federal Way Jack in the Box