Dating back to when he was growing up in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, Blue has felt a calling to advocate for people with developmental disabilities.

“One of my best friends growing up was a kid named David, who was autistic,” said Blue, a former CWU football player who now lives in Selah. “He was getting picked on one day, and I felt like someone needed to stand up for him. From that moment on, we became good friends.”

Blue (’11, ’13) went on to become a Special Olympics coach during high school, and he eventually landed a job with an agency in Ellensburg that supports people with developmental disabilities. That experience led him to where he is today, serving as a quality assurance unit manager for the state Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

Little did he know that his life experiences, combined with his CWU education, would lead to his current role with the Washington Department of Social and Health Services.

“I never really saw myself in this type of role, but I’m really glad I accepted the challenge because it’s been a great opportunity for me to learn how the whole system works,” said Blue, who earned three degrees from CWU: bachelor’s in sociology and bachelor’s in law and justice, and a master’s in physical education (athletic administration).

“It can be easy to get lost in one specific problem, and it’s often hard to see that when we make decisions, they can affect a lot of different people,” he continued. “We can’t lose focus on why we are here, which is serving people with developmental disabilities. The ‘why’ in this job is the most important thing.”

Blue manages a team of seven specialists who support case managers on both sides of the state, ensuring DDA teams are complying with state laws and regulations. His staff develops resources that help people understand how the system works, while also performing audits and overseeing federal compliance.

“I have seen firsthand how important it is for people to have advocates working on their behalf,” Blue said. “It’s a huge responsibility, and we have a huge impact on people’s lives. That’s a wonderful feeling; I just wish I had more of a chance to interact with the people we are serving.”

One of Blue’s CWU teammates, Aaron Gilbert, also works as a quality assurance manager at DDA, and the two remain in close contact. He also keeps in touch with a number of former coaches, peers, and professors who helped him build a foundation for success.

Most of all, he thanked his wife, Mary, for pushing him to be the best version of himself.

“If I say I want to do something, she believes I can do it,” said Blue, who has two sons, ages 14 and 9. “I’ve had a lot of amazing people stand behind me over the years, but she has been my biggest supporter.”