Ka Lima O Maui announced JD Wyatt has been named executive director of the nonprofit dedicated to “enhancing lives through self-reliance” for adults with disabilities on Maui.
Wyatt succeeds Chantal Ratte, who recently retired after 27 years with the organization.
Wyatt was the director of the Hawaii Nature Center — Iao Valley, and most recently, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Maui. Wyatt’s career spans over 30 years of both private sector and nonprofit leadership.
“Many changes have taken place at Ka Lima O Maui this year, but one thing remains the same: our commitment to “Enhancing Lives through Self Reliance”. As the new Executive Director, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Chantal and staff over the past two months through the transition. I’ve been amazed daily by the focus and caring energy directed towards the adults with disabilities we all serve. I had the opportunity to work with our clients in custodial crews in Kihei and Wailuku and was greatly impressed by the quality of our service and diligence in keeping each other safe. I met and bonded with our Medicaid waiver clients as we practiced a hula dance performance for Chantal’s retirement party over several weeks (in which they did a wonderful job, by the way!). I witnessed the pride and joy of our staff, board, and clients as the ground-breaking ceremony and blessing took place at the site of our soon to be new home. In short, it’s been an amazing and inspiring couple of months.
I look forward to leading Ka Lima O Maui into the next phase as we continue on with our high standards and impactful service. 2020 has proven to be a challenging year for us all, however, we are not deterred as evidenced by the creative new efforts we’ve undertaken to make a difference in the lives of our clients. The words of our mission I mentioned above are not just symbolic, they are a real and daily resolve. I’d like to thank everyone at Ka Lima O Maui for their warm welcome and open hearts.
