News

WithinReach is excited to announce the appointment of Lark Kesterke as our new Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) starting in October 2026.

Lark brings a deep commitment to WithinReach’s mission of connecting families and children with critical health and social service resources across Washington State. In her new leadership capacity, Lark will play a pivotal role in shaping organizational priorities, driving strategic growth, and strengthening public and community partnerships.  

Since she joined WithinReach in 2021, Lark has demonstrated impact-driven leadership, strategic vision, and a dedication to improving health outcomes for all families.  

• Help Me Grow Washington Network Strategic System Growth: Led key strategic initiatives and planning efforts that expanded services and strengthened Help Me Grow Network expanding to 15 counties across Washington state.  

• Co-Designed Strategies with New Partners: Cultivated and managed co-design projects with various entities, including Tribal Nations.  

• Plan of Safe Care Community-Based Pathway Implementation: Oversaw the implementation of the family-centered child welfare prevention strategy and the development of both the perinatal support community pathways.

As Chief Strategy Officer, Lark will work closely with Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Silver, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors to guide WithinReach into its next phase of innovation and community impact. 

Sharon Silver, Chief Executive Officer

“Lark has been an invaluable asset to WithinReach, bringing exceptional vision, strategic rigor, and an unwavering commitment to health for all Washington families. Her track record of expanding our programs, securing crucial funding, and building deep relationships across public health and child welfare sectors makes her uniquely qualified to lead our strategic vision forward. I am thrilled to partner with Lark in her new role as Chief Strategy Officer as we continue to innovate and build stronger systems of support for Washington families.” 

 Expressing enthusiasm for this next chapter, Lark has shared her vision for this role:  

 Lark Kesterke, Chief Strategy Officer 

“I am honored to step into the Chief Strategy Officer role at such a pivotal time for WithinReach. Over my time with the organization, I’ve seen firsthand how our system-level collaboration and programs transform access to healthcare, food, child development support, and vital community resources for families across Washington. I look forward to working alongside Sharon, our leadership team, and our partners to deepen our strategic alignment, advocate for policy solutions that work for all families, and expand our reach to support even more communities.” 

Please join us in celebrating Lark as she steps into this crucial role. Under her strategic leadership, WithinReach remains deeply committed to breaking down barriers to care, fostering innovation, and ensuring every family in Washington has the resources they need to thrive. To learn more about our ongoing initiatives, visit withinreachwa.org.