Administration and Mission
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Board of Commissioners and HASCO Leadership Team
Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of Snohomish County is a group of six citizens appointed by the Snohomish County Executive and approved by the County Council. Our Board of Commissioners includes a program participant as well as other experts in housing and related issues. The Board oversees HASCO’s budget development and approves all agency policies.
Commissioners serve five-year staggered terms, for a maximum of three terms (15 years).
In keeping with its mission to meet the diverse needs of Snohomish County residents by expanding housing opportunities that promote stability, strengthen community and provide affordability, HASCO holds board meetings in accordance with Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act and shares information about meetings on its website here. HASCO’s Board of Commissioners regularly meet the third Tuesday of each month.
Board Members:
Luke Distelhorst - Board Chair (Appointed in 2022)
Joe Alonzo - Board Vice Chair (Appointed in 2019)
Maddy Metzger-Utt - Board Member (Appointed 2020)
Jeffrey Wallace - Board Member (Appointed in 2016)
Gary Weikel - Board Member (Appointed in 2013)
Leadership Team
HASCO’s leadership team oversees daily operations, guiding all activities toward the mission and vision approved by the Board of Commissioners. The leadership team regularly communicates with the Board and seeks their guidance and approval on policies, budgetary decisions and property acquisitions.
Team Members:
Laurie Olson - Chief Executive Officer
David Allard - Chief Financial Officer
Jenisa Story - Chief Operating Officer
Victor Caesar - Director of Development
Pam Frost - Director of Finance
Jodie Halsne - Director of Tenant Based Assistance
Sarah Max - Director of Internal Legal Affairs
Mission and Vision
Mission
Our mission is to meet the diverse needs of Snohomish County residents by expanding housing opportunities that promote stability, strengthen community and provide affordability.
Vision
We envision a future where all Snohomish County residents have safe and affordable housing. Where community becomes opportunity and where housing becomes a home.
Housing Authority Defined
The federal government passed The Housing Authorities Law in 1939. Housing authorities were later established in Washington via a law of the same name. The Snohomish County Council appoints HASCO’s Board of Commissioners who hire our agency’s Executive Director.
In addition to administering federal housing funds, HASCO performs a range of functions, which include the following.
- Investigate and improve living conditions, when needed, on behalf of program participants
- Identify areas with a shortage of safe, decent and sanitary housing for low-income households
- Collaborate with cities, counties and other public entities regarding housing needs
- Perform research and explore solutions on the subject of housing
- Partner with localities to create and administer housing
HASCO proudly provides a range of housing solutions to serve the Snohomish County community.
