We are deeply saddened to share that on March 23, our Director, Alison Lauderdale, passed away.
Alison was a caring, compassionate, patient, and determined leader whose impact on our team and community will be felt for years to come. We are devastated by this loss, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
Our team at NEXT Success would like to share a few words in her memory below.
Alison’s impact on NEXT Success was deeply rooted in her connection to community, her belief in people, and her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people. She led with a clear understanding that strong outcomes are built through strong relationships. Across Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties, Alison invested in partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations, ensuring that young people were not only connected to services, but to real opportunities that aligned with their goals and potential. Through her leadership, partnerships expanded, referral pathways strengthened, and youth were able to access work-based learning, education, and career experiences that changed the trajectory of their lives.
Alison brought a leadership style that was both steady and deeply human. She showed up for her team with care, compassion, and presence, while also holding a high bar for performance and accountability. She had a unique ability to partner alongside her staff, supporting, coaching, and developing them, while ensuring that the work remained focused on outcomes for the young people we serve. Even in times of transition and challenge, she created stability, clarity, and forward movement. This was evident in the transformation of key program areas, including SummerWorks. Under Alison’s leadership, the program rebounded from prior challenges to become a high-performing, coordinated effort that connected youth to meaningful, paid work experiences and strong employer partnerships across the region.
In the time I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Alison, it was clear that she was the right leader at the right time. Our search for this role took time, and she was absolutely worth the wait. I cannot imagine anyone else stepping into that space in the way she did. She brought fire, integrity, and excellence to her work, and a deep, unwavering commitment to the young people we serve and the outcomes we are responsible for delivering. She knew when to push for results, when to step in with support, and when to listen. In a field that is often complex, with challenging dynamics and competing demands, she never shied away from the work. She leaned in, stayed steady, and was committed to figuring it out. She was fun, she lit up a room, and she brought a level of patience that grounded those around her. That balance is not easy to find, and she did it in a way that moved the work forward while making people feel seen, capable, and part of something that mattered.
But more than any single program or outcome, Alison’s impact is reflected in the lives she touched, in the young people who found direction, confidence, and opportunity, and in the team she led with intention and heart. She struck a rare balance between compassion and accountability, always grounded in purpose and committed to helping others succeed.
Alison’s impact, first as a person and then as a leader, has left a lasting imprint on this work and on the community she so deeply cared about.
– Kayci Loftus
She was truly a wonderful person-someone whose kindness and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had the touch that made people feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her heart was immense, and her genuine love for helping others wasn’t just something she spoke about; it was something she lived every day. It showed clearly in her leadership, where she guided with empathy, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those around her.
She embodied so many remarkable qualities-Grace, generosity, wisdom, warmth-and shared them freely. Knowing her was a gift, and having her in my life is something I will always consider a true blessing.
Aloha~
– Lisa Roy
Alison had a way of making people feel seen, supported, and capable, no matter what they were facing. She gave so much to her community, and she led simply by lifting others up.
Even in the hardest moments, she brought humor that helped us breathe and keep going. And when something needed to be said, she never avoided it, she met it head on with care and grace.
She always told us “first we’re going to build this plane and then get it to fly.”; and somehow, with her, we always believed we could.
So we’ll keep building, keep showing up for each other, and keep making things fly.
– Adam Mahmoud
Alison,
I feel so lucky to have known and worked with you. You brought kindness, warmth, and strength into every room, and you made people feel seen and supported in ways that mattered more than you probably ever realized.
I will miss the adorable way you said “and,” and the way you celebrated every win, no matter how small. You had a beautiful way of making people feel proud, encouraged, and capable.
Thank you for the encouragement, the laughs, the guidance, and the example you set. You touched so many lives, and you will be deeply missed.
I will carry your kindness with me.
Love and hugs,
– Missy Pace
Alison was a leader who inspired us to soar. She loved the idea of “building the plane while we flew it,” turning the NEXT Success program into something that didn’t just function, but truly took flight. Her passing left a void in our hearts and communities, as she didn’t just manage our team – she had a rare gift for making every person she encountered feel truly seen and deeply appreciated. For those of us who worked alongside her, that wasn’t a professional courtesy – it was her nature. Whether it was her warm “Good morning!” greeting at the back door each day or her celebratory spirit for every win, no matter how small, she made our office feel like home.Her humor lightened stressful days, and she reminded us that our work was better because we were doing it together.
Alison taught us that leadership is about empathy, strength, and an immense heart. We will carry her kindness and her passion for helping others with us as we continue the work she loved so much. She will be remembered with profound fondness, the highest respect, and gratitude.
– Christy Wilkens
Alison was more than a leader; she was the grounding force of our team. To know Alison and work alongside her was an absolute privilege and an experience that I will cherish forever. Alison’s commitment to her community and boundless kindness for others resonated throughout her work. Alison possessed the gift of fierce leadership, compassion, and tranquility; balancing them harmoniously. I am incredibly grateful to have known Alison, whose impact has been profound and inspiring to so many.
– Cali Newby
– Kelly Carneal
