A Missouri nonprofit leader has been selected as the next chief executive officer for Lawrence-based Cottonwood Inc., one of the state’s largest organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Colleen Himmelberg will take over the top leadership position at Cottonwood this summer, after longtime CEO Sharon Spratt retires in June.

Himmelberg currently is the chief operating officer for Empac Group in Washington, Mo. That organization — similar to Cottonwood — provides employment opportunities to individuals impacted by disabilities. According to its website, the group employs several hundred people in the area outside of St. Louis, with many of the jobs related to manufacturing contracts that Empac fulfills for businesses in the region.

Cottonwood also has done manufacturing and order fulfillment work in Lawrence. Headquartered along 31st Street in southern Lawrence, Cottonwood is entering its 50th year of operation.

Spratt, the retiring CEO, has been with Cottonwood for 34 years. The organization plans to further recognize Spratt for her work at Cottonwood as her retirement nears.

“Sharon has tirelessly served and advocated for the needs of our clients at Cottonwood Inc., as well as the entire organization, for over 34 years,” Zak Bolick, president of Cottownwood’s board of trustees, said in a press release. “Her smile, energy, and passion will be greatly missed. Through her visionary leadership, Cottonwood has flourished through periods of incredible change and even a global pandemic.”

photo by: Submitted photo

Colleen Himmelberg