Redmond resident Karin Duval has been selected as the first managing director for Leadership Eastside’s (LE) first premier leadership development program.

“Karin’s history as a class member of LE, her experience working with non-profits and community groups, her executive management experience, and the synchronicity of our working styles were exactly what I was looking for to build out our staff infrastructure,” said LE President James Whitfield. “I am very excited to have Karin with us.”

Duval began her new job on February 1 and has been working with Whitfield to manage the organization’s day-to-day activities and guide LE volunteers, committees and class members in fulfillment of LE’s mission.

Duval said her new position with LE, a driving force in building community leaders since 2005, is a natural fit. The three-year program will serve the greater Eastside and help participants living in or work in the area develop skills and connections to make a difference in their local communities through leadership roles in business, volunteerism and public service.

“Leadership Eastside’s vision of a diverse, vibrant, healthy and mutually supportive Eastside community, is expertly served by LE’s Adaptive Leadership approach to leader development,” Duval said. “The challenges we face in our communities demand leaders who are informed, equipped and connected. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the organization that develops these leaders.”

As a member of the LE Class of 2011, Duval’s project team was a catalyst for the expansion of the King County Mental Health Court to serve Eastside residents of the Eastside. She also has served on multiple community boards, commissions and associations. Duval also put her bachelor’s degree in math from University of California, Berkeley to use by serving on the Washington State Mathematics Advisory group.

More than 140 Eastside organizations are currently benefiting from LE members’ volunteerism serving on nonprofit boards, commissions and chambers. Sixteen program participants are holding or have sought public office. LE is now taking applications for its sixth class, which begins this fall. For more information, visit www.leadershipeastside.com.