Then: Leader Bios
Wanda Willis
Former Executive Director, TN Council on Developmental Disabilities
Wanda led the Council for more than 30 years, transforming it from a little-known advisory council into one of the nation’s most respected Council on Developmental Disabilities. She played a key role in shaping state and federal priorities, building lasting partnerships, and driving policy changes. Nationally, she served on the board of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, including as President.
Elise McMillan
Retired Co-Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
Elise McMillan led the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s UCEDD for nearly 20 years, expanding access to education, jobs, and healthcare for people with disabilities. She helped launch Next Steps at Vanderbilt and TennesseeWorks, key programs supporting inclusion and employment. A former journalist and lawyer, she became a national advocate after her son was born with Down syndrome.
Lisa Primm
Former Executive Director, Disability Rights Tennessee
Lisa Primm led Disability Rights Tennessee for 12 years, strengthening the state’s Protection & Advocacy system through steady, justice-driven leadership. Under her direction, DRT expanded its reach and deepened its impact for people with disabilities and mental health conditions.
Carol Westlake
Founding Executive Director, Tennessee Disability Coalition
Carol Westlake led the Tennessee Disability Coalition for 35 years, turning a loose network of advocates into a unified statewide movement. She built the Coalition from the ground up, creating space for collective action and helping people with disabilities speak up and shape the policies that affect their lives. Her leadership brought lasting change across Tennessee.
Sandi Klink
Retired Executive Director, Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living
Sandi Klink is a disabled leader who led the Memphis Center for Independent Living for 25 years, championing access and community inclusion. From curb ramps to paratransit, she drove major accessibility gains in Memphis while helping connect local efforts to national ADAPT activism. Her work blended practical change with civil rights advocacy. Sandi served on the Council from 2009-2015, representing the Memphis area.