Brian Smith Named President – CEO At Volunteers Of America Western Washington

This in from Volunteers of America Western Washington…

The appointment of Brian Smith to President and Chief Executive Officer of Volunteers of America Western Washington provides continuity of leadership for Snohomish County’s leading human services nonprofit. He joined Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) in 2014 as a front-line Behavior Specialist, moved to Senior Director of Disability Services, then progressed to Chief Operating Officer, where he has served since 2018. He assumed the vacant role of Chief Executive Officer last November in an interim position and was honored in April in Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” class of 2023. This award recognizes young professionals with notable professional achievements and potential for future success.

As CEO, he will be expected to plan for strategic growth and financial sustainability, promote program expansion, and foster an inclusive organizational culture. Smith has consistently demonstrated responsible fiscal stewardship and oversees a $110M operating budget. In his executive career, he has been instrumental in service initiatives from COVID relief efforts in housing and food insecurity to partnering with local agencies to resettle more than 2,600 Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. Currently, he supervises VOAWW’s $29 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center capital project benefiting south Snohomish County.

VOAWW’s ministry of service and principles of diversity and inclusion firmly align with his Christian faith. “My convictions mandate that ‘we must not merely say we love each other, we must also show this truth through our actions,’ and the work we do is intended to uplift vulnerable individuals regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, documentation status, or identity. It has been shown time and again that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community members are tragically and disproportionately impacted by poverty, substance use, mental health challenges, and suicide. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he emphasizes, “ and I strive each day to make it clear that VOAWW will serve all who are in need. Our brightest days are still in front of us.”

Suzan Sturholm, Chair of VOAWW’s Board of Directors says, “Brian is a capable, dedicated leader who is passionate about serving the community and providing support for staff and volunteers who work to carry out our mission. We are enthusiastic about his vision for the organization and look forward to working closely with him as he steps into this role.”

Smith will assume responsibility of the company effective immediately.

Volunteers of America of Western Washington is celebrating its 125th year of strengthening communities through human service programs that support individuals’ paths to independence and stability. Headquartered in Everett, services extend across the north Puget Sound area, with tribal services and crisis helplines available statewide.