Staff & Board
Staff
Dan Cantrell, Operations Manager
As Operations Manager, Dan manages member dues invoicing, oversees technology vendors, works to ensure database integrity and coordination, supports the Executive Director and Finance Committee with financial tracking/reporting and budget development, manages HR and provides staff support for the HDC Charity Federation and several Affinity Groups. Prior to joining HDC, Dan developed an Environmental Health & Safety Management System at a local computer refurbisher and recycler, and previously was executive director at northwest environmental nonprofits. Dan earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the UW’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance in 2006. Contact
Bambi Chávez, Homeownership Policy Coordinator
As Homeownership Policy Coordinator, Bambi stewards HDC’s approach to addressing disparities in access to, and retention of, homeownership by broadening HDC’s participation in the Black Homeownership Initiative (BHI). Bambi helps coordinate and implement a coherent strategy around a collective policy agenda that will elevate the policy framework needed to deliver and sustain homeownership opportunities in the Puget Sound Region. Bambi brings her strengths as a communicator, relationship builder, facilitator, collaborator, and project manager to the role. Her range of experience in research, design, and community building, and her lived experience as a BIPOC woman, position her as a strong advocate for change. Bambi holds a B.A. in Psychology from Reed College, a B.A.A. in Interior Design from Bellevue College, and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration from Seattle University.
Paige España, Executive Administrator & Board Liaison
As the Executive Administrator & Board Liaison, Paige advocates for HDC’s mission and vision through coordination of the organization’s administrative and operational needs, including staff and board relations, information & database management, fund development assistance, editorial management, and supporting communications & collaboration across departments. Paige has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as the director of a grassroots animal rescue & welfare nonprofit, where she oversaw operations, communications, and fundraising and helped lead the organization’s inaugural pursuit of social justice education. She holds an MA in Writing & Publishing from Portland State University, a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Willamette Valley Development Officers, and is presently learning Spanish poco a poco. As of March 2023, she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Paige believes in kindness, curiosity, and conscientious learning as core tools to honor the contributions that each of us bring to the work and to the world.
Patience Malaba, Executive Director
As Executive Director, Patience leads the association in a shared effort to increase access to affordable housing. She is recognized for her leadership in addressing the intersecting crises of affordable housing, racial equity, and climate change and is the 2020 Bullitt Foundation Environmental Fellowship awardee. A commitment to environmental and economic justice and her passion for an equitable society led her directly to the affordable housing sector. Prior to this role, she served as HDC’s Director of Government Relations and Policy. Previous positions include work with Seattle for Everyone, a broad coalition that was central to the success of Seattle’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA), Futurewise, and the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 6. Patience co-chairs the Eastside Housing Roundtable, co-chairs Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)’s Regional TOD Advisory Committee, Chairs the Seattle Planning Commission Housing and Neighborhoods Committee, and serves on the PSRC Growth Management Policy Board. She serves on the board of directors of the Transportation Choices Coalition and is a member of Sound Communities. Her appointments include the City of Seattle’s Redistricting Commission and Washington State Department of Commerce Homeownership Disparities Workgroup. Patience holds a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University, an Organizational Leadership Certificate from George Mason University, and a BA in International Development from Lupane State University in Zimbabwe. Contact
Elan Robinson, Communications Manager
Elan mobilizes support for HDC’s system change work by managing timely, strategic, effective communications to our membership, community, and local elected officials. They bring a passion for writing and design as well as a deep personal dedication to social and racial justice to their position as Communications Manager. Prior to joining the team at HDC, Elan worked as Community Engagement Operations Manager at Pride Foundation, where they oversaw development communications and provided fundraising project management in support of LGBTQ+ communities across the Northwest. They believe in the power of multimedia storytelling to catalyze movements, build strong communities, and ultimately drive change. Contact
Jesse Simpson, Government Relations and Policy Manager
As the Government Relations and Policy Manager, Jesse engages with public officials to inform and inspire action in concert with HDC’s Annual Advocacy Agenda, while working to foster strategic relationships with HDC members, community, and cross-sector partners. Previously, Jesse worked as a Policy Analyst and Executive Assistant to the CEO for Bellwether Housing. At Bellwether, Jesse directly supported the CEO and board, kept the organization apprised of ongoing policy issues, and coordinated Bellwether’s advocacy work on funding for resident services and rental assistance, revenue to support affordable housing, and zoning reform to allow more homes to be built in more areas. Jesse grew up in Seattle and attended Lewis and Clark College, majoring in environmental studies with a focus on urban planning, transit-oriented development, and gentrification. After moving back to Seattle, he worked as an Associate Analyst for Greenfield Advisors, helping sue companies over environmental contamination, mortgage fraud, and Fair Housing violations. Contact.
Loren Tierney, Member Services Director
As Member Services Director, Loren provides overall direction and support for HDC’s member services program, implementing a comprehensive member and business development agenda, and creating impactful programming for our wide array of membership. Prior to joining HDC staff in late June of 2014, Loren worked as Director of the Municipal League of King County and the Municipal League Foundation, and concurrently worked at the philanthropic, member-based Washington Women’s Foundation. Loren is passionate about working with HDC leaders, members, and partners create robust and engaging member programming, and a better connected and efficient affordable housing sector. Loren also currently serves on the board of the WA Housing Alliance Action Fund. Contact
Dani Turk, Membership, Programs, and Equity Manager
Dani Turk brings over 20 years of non-profit management experience and a deep commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to her role with HDC. Her career-long history of equity-building through innovative program development and implementation has been centered on the critical need for systemic change in the areas of homelessness, foster care, and hunger relief. Most recently, in overseeing Employment and Education services for Jubilee Women’s Center, Dani offered trauma-informed programs geared towards removing barriers and providing equitable access to living wage career pathways and educational opportunities for formerly homeless women. Her interest in personal, organizational, and cultural transformation in service to people, planet, and a sustainable future for all, drew her to the Whidbey Institute where she currently serves on the Board of Directors. Contact
Chad Vaculin, Advocacy and Mobilization Manager
As Advocacy and Mobilization Manager, Chad works closely with the policy staff team to implement HDC’s strategic advocacy and policy priorities with a focus on organizing, mobilizing, and building effective coalitions to advance affordable housing policy. Prior to joining HDC, Chad worked at the intersections of the homelessness, criminal legal, and behavioral health systems where he facilitated effective inter-agency collaboration and pushed for more equitable and just outcomes for people most impacted. Chad brings over a decade of experience in both community organizing and mission-driven organizations advancing healthy, just, and equitable communities. Chad is a graduate of the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Contact
Executive Officers:
President: Kate Smith, SMR Architects
Vice President: Grace Kim, Schemata Workshop
Vice President: Elizabeth Rinehart, WALSH Construction
Secretary: Dan Landes, King County Housing Authority
Treasurer: Sai Chaleunphonh, Marpac Construction
Directors:
Derrick Belgarde, Chief Seattle Club
Susan Boyd, Bellwether Housing
Terry Galiney, Seattle Housing Authority
Jared Jonson, SCIDpda
Alisa Luber, Mercy Housing Northwest
Sunaree Marshall, King County Housing, Homelessness & Community Development
Lindsay Masters, ARCH
Michelle Morlan, Lotus Development Partners
Andrew Oommen, Community Roots Housing
Alex Pace, Heritage Bank
Amanda Santo, Multi-Service Center
Darryl Smith, HomeSight
Vanessa Tran, Kantor Taylor
Stephanie Velasco, Seattle Office of Housing
Bunthay Cheam, Mt. Baker Housing (Board Fellow 2023)
