(Pictured left to right: Albertina Kerr CEO Allison Stark with Exceed Enterprises CEO Nadja Sailesman)
Dear Friends of Albertina Kerr,
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. On August 1, 2024, Albertina Kerr and Exceed Enterprises will officially merge under the name Albertina Kerr. With the full support of both organizations’ boards of directors and senior leaders, this merger marks a significant milestone for both organizations. It combines our 167 years of collective experience and unwavering dedication to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health challenges.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, it is especially meaningful to announce this merger, which reflects our deep commitment to empowering people with I/DD and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.
Founded in 1968 by two trailblazing mothers who wanted more activities and community engagements for their children, Exceed brings to Kerr Supported Employment Services, Day Services Activities, Group Supported Employment, and benefits counseling for people with I/DD. They also operate a manufacturing, assembly, and packaging social enterprise that hires people of all abilities. Our combined supported employment programs will more than double the number of people we serve, setting us up for future growth and expansion in employment services.Â
This strategic union will position Kerr as the largest provider of supports and services for people with I/DD in the State of Oregon. By joining forces, we will enhance our services, expand our reach, increase our efficiencies to maximize our impact and strengthen our advocacy efforts.
As part of our merger, Kerr will welcome current Exceed Board Members Aaron Goff, President/CEO at Embold Credit Union, and Judy Powell, Owner of Benefit Resources Inc., to the Kerr Governing Board of Directors.
As part of our leadership integration, Nadja Sailesman, CEO of Exceed, will join the Kerr Senior Leadership Team as a Chief Program Officer, overseeing employment programs, Day Support Activities, Manufacturing, Assembly & Packaging, and Kerr’s inclusive, affordable housing (Wynne Watts Commons). She will work alongside Kerr’s current Chief Program Officer, Derrick Perry, who will continue to lead Kerr’s I/DD residential, mental health services, Crisis Psychiatric Care for Youth (Subacute), and Kerr Bikes. This united team will ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services under our shared mission, vision, and values.
We are excited about the future and the opportunities this merger brings to enhance the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Together, as Albertina Kerr, we will continue to make a profound difference in our communities.
Sincerely,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr