Yukiko Taylor

Yukiko Taylor is the Executive Director of the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) in Arkansas, where she leads statewide advocacy, legislative initiatives, and operational support representing 80 service providers and over 13,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Residing in Little Rock, she brings over 22 years of dedicated experience in the sector, including 20 years at Group Living, Inc., culminating in seven years as its Executive Director until 2024.  

Originally relocating from Japan in 1996 to attend Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Yukiko graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. She annually returns to her alma mater to guest lecture on advocacy.  

In her current role with DDPA, Yukiko represents the provider community on several key state and national committees, including the DHS Medicaid Advisory Committee, DDS Behavioral Consultation Committee, ADE Vision & Hearing Collaborative work group, Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).  

Throughout her career, she has maintained a deep commitment to community leadership, having served on the boards of the Arkadelphia Chamber, Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance, and DDPA, as well as serving as a member of the Clark County Diversity Committee.  

A proud mother of Emma, who attends the University of Central Arkansas, Yukiko is also a third-degree black belt and competitive martial artist specializing in sword fighting in her personal time.