Lynnae M. Ruttledge

As a person born with a disability, Lynnae was served by the Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation program and assisted in obtaining her teaching credentials at the beginning of her career. Her extensive work history in the disability field has focused on working in the public and non-profit sectors in Michigan, Oregon and Washington. She has served in policy development, program management and key leadership positions in independent living, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development and business leadership networks.

Lynnae moved to the state of Washington in October 2005 to serve as the Director of the Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. By 2007, the Division was recognized by the Governor with an outstanding management award and eliminated its 13,000+ waiting list by early 2008. Lynnae continues to lead the Division as it expands its capacity and partnerships to assure that more individuals with significant disabilities become successfully employed.

As a Governor’s appointee, Lynnae serves as an ex-officio member of both the State Rehabilitation Council and the State Independent Living Council. She represents the Department of Social and Health Services on the state Workforce Investment Board.

As a longtime volunteer and disability rights expert, Lynnae has been affiliated with Mobility International USA since 1988 and has traveled to China, Russia, New Zealand/Australia, Germany, Japan, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, Peru, Qatar, Tunisia and Mali.