July 25, 2024 By CDHD Cari Murphy named Interim Director CDHD Director Julie Fodor retired at the end of June after 31 years. While she will be greatly missed, she leaves the Center in the best position to continue to provide innovative and meaningful services to Idaho’s disability community. With Julie’s retirement, Dr Cari Muphy has been named as the CDHD Interim Director. Cari is no stranger to the Center, having started here as a research assistant in 1993 while she completed a master’s degree at the University of Idaho. “At the time of entry into my master’s program, there were no official graduate assistantship positions. So instead, my advisor recommended that I check out the CDHD for possible positions,” said Cari. “So, I got my resume updated and walked into the CDHD office seeking a job. I fortuitously was directed to Dr. Jennifer Olson who miraculously had an opening on her federal grant for a research assistant. She thankfully hired me on the spot, and we continued to work together over the next 12 years and she became my mentor during my PhD program.” Upon finishing her program, she stayed on as a project coordinator for a federal model demonstration grant that focused on inservice training for early childhood professionals. And aside from a two-year hiatus (1999-2001), she’s been here ever since. In this time, she has worked in several roles, including research faculty, project director/principal investigator for the Idaho Training Clearinghouse, data coordinator and, eventually, associate director of the Center. Her dedication to the CDHD is obvious, and when asked about her favorite part about working at the Center, she said, “I actually have two favorites. (1) The staff. CDHD has dedicated and hard-working staff who believe in what they do and bring about real change in people’s lives. We enjoy what we do and who we work with. I feel fortunate to be a part of the CDHD family. “(2) The ingenuity of our work. We get to be creative and think outside the box. It’s exciting to come to work and know that finding the right solution is just an innovative idea away.” She is excited for the opportunity to step into the Interim Director role and is looking forward to working with staff and partners to help shape the future. “I believe in the power of collective intelligence and that together we are better. I plan to be a curious leader and continue to ask questions to further my understanding and to inform decisions,” said Cari. “I see a bright future for the CDHD. We have many opportunities to grow, and I want to help facilitate that growth by working alongside our CDHD leadership, staff and partners to help remove barriers and build needed connections. “My door is always open, and I welcome feedback and new ideas that will propel the CDHD in providing effective outreach and services that ensure everyone can live, learn, work and play in their communities.” It is indeed an exciting time and we’re looking forward to Cari’s leadership. Dr Janice Carson, Director of the Idaho Assistive Technology Project and Idaho Competitive Integrated Employment Center, will also be stepping up as the new Interim Associate Director for the Center. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming them both into their new roles. We have no doubt that great things lie ahead.