After more than a decade of leadership and service to Sammy’s Place, Executive Director Julie Chick stepped down from her role on March 31, 2026.
Julie joined Sammy’s Place in a volunteer leadership capacity in 2014 before becoming the organization’s first paid Executive Director. During her tenure, she helped expand opportunities for individuals and families navigating Oregon’s developmental disabilities services system and guided key initiatives, including the development of Thompson Springs, an affordable and accessible housing community in Nehalem.
“Julie has led this organization with her heart and soul,” said board member Chantelle Brown. “Sammy’s Place has grown up because of Julie’s nurturing nature, tenacity and sheer will to make things happen for everyone in our community. She has made a difference in how people here view disabilities and helped to provide a safe place for us to feel accepted, valued and loved. Her contributions and what she gave to us is priceless and she will be missed.” She continued, “We are deeply grateful for Julie’s dedication, vision, and commitment to inclusion, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”
As Sammy’s Place moves forward, we are pleased to welcome Jaimie Rhodes as Executive Director. Jaimie joins the organization with a commitment to building on Sammy’s Place’s strong foundation and continuing its mission of creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and supporting individuals and families with disabilities throughout our coastal communities.
Rhodes steps into the role with a background in nonprofit leadership and a commitment to strengthening community-based services along the Oregon Coast. Over the past decade, Rhodes has worked in nonprofit settings focused on building sustainable programs and supporting teams in delivering services that respond to real community needs. Her experience includes a prior career in the healthcare technology industry, where she developed a strong background in operations, systems, and organizational structure.
Rhodes has also remained engaged in local civic and volunteer efforts in Tillamook County, contributing to work centered on thoughtful governance and community collaboration.
A native Oregonian, Rhodes calls Tillamook home. As a parent and community member, she values the importance of connection, access, and opportunity for individuals and families across the region.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and to build on the amazing work that has already been done,” said Rhodes. “Sammy’s Place has developed a robust framework of services and programs, and I’m looking forward to continuing to listen, learn, and work alongside the community to ensure that they are both responsive and sustainable.”
As Executive Director, Rhodes will focus on strengthening partnerships, supporting ongoing program development, and helping to expand access and opportunities for individuals in the intellectual and developmental disabilities community.
Sammy’s Place serves individuals and families experiencing disabilities along the Oregon Coast by providing education, advocacy, and inclusive programming that fosters belonging and opportunity.
Please join us in thanking Julie for her years of service and welcoming Jaimie to Sammy’s Place.
For more information about Sammy’s Place, visit www.sammysplace.info or www.oregoncoaast.org or email info@oregoncoaast.org
