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:
Joe Alonzo - Board Member (Appointed in 2019)
Luke Distelhorst - Board Vice Chair (Appointed in 2022)
Maddy Metzger-Utt - Board Chair (Appointed in 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.
Duane Leonard
Chief Executive Officer since 2016
HASCO staff since 1995
Duane leads HASCO based on deep experience in both financial operations and partnership-building within and among non-profit and government organizations. Previous roles with HASCO include Finance Director and Associate Executive Director. He represents HASCO on the Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County and the Alliance for Housing Affordability. Duane has been a member and leader on many boards including the Association of Washington Housing Authorities and Bellwether Housing.
“I am inspired by the great people that work at HASCO and how much our work means to thousands of families in Snohomish County. This is where I grew up, so I’m very aware of how life and community have changed here.”
TBD
CFO
HASCO staff since
Pam Frost
Director of Finance since 2018
HASCO staff since 2008
Pam’s finance and accounting experience spans the telecom, software, aerospace and housing industries. She has served on many boards including the Washington Housing Authority Accounting Professionals board and the Local Government Investment Pool Advisory Committee.
“It’s wonderful to know that I can do a job I love, helping members of our community—especially those struggling to make ends meet. Our staff really care about the people and about contributing to the success of this Agency.”
Jenisa Story
Chief Operating Officer since 2014
HASCO staff since 2003
Jenisa’s program management experience adds depth to her leadership of internal and client-facing processes. She is often HASCO’s internal champion and leader for organizational change initiatives.
“Working together to serve our community, the HASCO team is dedicated, kind, creative and innovative in the ways it strives to serve every person and family we can. We’re all about bringing homes and opportunity to the people of Snohomish County.”
Jodie Halsne
Director of Tenant Based Assistance since 2018
Jodie keeps our rent support programs operating at peak performance, in terms of client service and internal efficiency. Her professional background includes program management and agency-to-agency collaboration to provide shelter, food and emergency items to families after disasters. She represents Public Housing Authorities, including HASCO, on the Snohomish County Partnership to End Homelessness board.
“HASCO’s core values include service with authenticity, kindness and compassion. My team are truly caring people who embody those qualities, helping people get and maintain stable housing in Snohomish County every day.”
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.
