Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has named Lea Kitz as the disability advocacy organization’s new Executive Director. Kitz has managed DRW’s Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program for nearly 8 years. Before joining DRW, she served as Executive Director of Arc-Winnebago County Disability Association. Kitz brings her extensive hands-on and leadership experience in the areas of domestic abuse, employment, benefits, and disability advocacy. “We are pleased to have Ms. Kitz step into this key role,” says Sue Gramling, DRW’s Board President. “She is knowledgeable about disability issues and the work of the Protection and Advocacy system.”
Founded in 1977, Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping people free from abuse and neglect. DRW expands its P&A work with the addition of victim advocacy services, support for Disability Benefits Specialists around the state, and programs to assist individuals with disabilities in managed care systems. “I am excited to take on this new role and move DRW’s important mission forward,” says Kitz. “I have the fortune to know already the fantastic group of dedicated professionals who carry out individual and public policy advocacy. I look forward to collaborating with them and our many community partners.” Her official appointment begins on January 1, 2019.