Christopher J. Tibbs

Christopher J. Tibbs has dedicated his career to expanding employment opportunities and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Growing up on Bainbridge Island as the child of a parent with disabilities, he witnessed firsthand the barriers many people face in finding stable jobs and accessible housing. This personal experience shaped his commitment to creating pathways to independence through employment, housing, and community-driven solutions.

As CEO of Peninsula Services, Mr. Tibbs leads efforts to expand inclusive workforce programs and strengthen partnerships that create stable, long-term job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through its participation in SourceAmerica and the AbilityOne program, Peninsula Services secures federal contracts that offer consistent wages and career growth. A key example is its collaboration with Skookum Contracting Services to maintain Naval Base Kitsap, where individuals with disabilities and veterans are employed in grounds maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, and facility upkeep. These roles play a vital part in supporting naval operations, reinforcing Peninsula Services' commitment to workforce inclusion and service excellence.

Beyond workforce initiatives, Peninsula Services also operates a large-scale textile recycling program, which collects millions of pounds of used clothing annually. These materials are processed and repurposed through a global resale and recycling network, reducing waste while supporting job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This initiative integrates sustainability with employment, demonstrating how business and environmental responsibility can work together for social good.

Recognizing that employment alone is not enough, Mr. Tibbs has also played a key role in developing affordable housing solutions for individuals with disabilities. During his time as CEO of The Arc of the Peninsulas (now Peninsula Alliance), he secured over $9.9 million in state and county funding to develop the Mahan Apartments, a 22-unit affordable housing complex in downtown Bremerton. Supported by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners and the Washington State Department of Health and Human Services, the project is designed to provide safe, accessible housing for individuals with disabilities, as well as those transitioning from homelessness or institutional settings. In partnership with the Bremerton Housing Authority, the project will offer housing vouchers to keep rents affordable. Expected to open in April 2025, the Mahan Apartments will provide much-needed housing for those facing barriers to stable living situations.

In addition to his leadership at Peninsula Services, Mr. Tibbs has worked as a public policy consultant for Mason County and Kitsap Transit, focusing on community development and accessibility initiatives. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Paratransit Services, where he continues to support transportation access for people with disabilities.

Looking ahead, Mr. Tibbs remains committed to expanding employment opportunities, strengthening sustainable business practices, and increasing access to affordable housing. He believes that collaboration between businesses, government programs, and community organizations is essential to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.