Sharon Spratt, CEO of Cottonwood Inc., received the Mark Elmore Award for Distinguished Leadership at the 2009 InterHab Annual Conference on Oct. 9 in Wichita.

The award is presented to a professional who has shown innovation and dedication in the field of developmental disabilities in Kansas over many years. Elmore was a pioneer in this field from Johnson County and left a legacy of inclusion and compassion.

Spratt began with Cottonwood in 1988 and was named CEO in 1994. Cottonwood provides a full range of services to people with disabilities in Douglas and Jefferson counties.

InterHab is composed of more than 40 community organizations that provide services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Kansas and commemorated its 40th anniversary this year.