For the Reporter

Trillium Employment Service’s executive director Trish Borden formally announced her retirement with a letter released Oct. 27.

The announcement follows Borden’s 29-year career at Trillium, a nonprofit organization that specializes in helping businesses hire and employ individuals with developmental disabilities.

“I have gained so much wisdom through this work and my life has been rich with knowing that we are making and will continue to make an impact,” Borden said. “I am looking forward to my future of some play and some peace.”

In the letter, Borden announced her successor, Karen Williams, who has served as the assistant director for two years. Williams returned after a short stint away from Trillium, where she originally served as an employment consultant. Williams officially steps into the position on Jan. 1.

Borden, an advocate for inclusive employment, has been active in several organizations.

When Borden joined Trillium the company consisted of three staff members, serving three businesses and less than 20 job-seekers. Trillium now has offices in King, Pierce, Kitsap and Clark counties, serving hundreds of businesses and individual job-seekers, with staff of more than 50.

“I began this career at Trillium on April Fool’s Day, 1987,” Borden said. “We were clear that we wanted to be the best employment agency – offer the best training and coaching to our employers and provide the best services to people who want to work regardless of their reputations or assessments.

“For 29 years, we have been doing just that.”

To learn more, visit trillium.org.