EVERETT — Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) announced on Friday, June 26, that Chief Executive Officer Brian Smith will depart the organization effective July 10, 2026, to become Chief Executive Officer of Volunteers of America Northern Rockies in Wyoming.
Smith has dedicated the past 12 years to serving Western Washington communities through a variety of leadership roles at VOAWW. He joined the organization as a Behavioral Specialist in Disability Services before advancing to Senior Director of Disability Services, Chief Operating Officer in 2018, and Chief Executive Officer in 2023.
During his tenure, Smith helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation, strengthening services and expanding support for individuals and families across the region.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Brian for close to 10 years as a board member, and the last 5 as board chair. I have been incredibly impressed by his skills, talent and ability, and by his leadership over the last 3 years. What is a huge loss to VOAWW is a huge gain for our Northern Rockies affiliation. I truly wish them, as well as Brian, all the very best.” said Suzan Sturholm, VOAWW Board Chair.
Smith’s decision to transition to VOA Northern Rockies reflects his family’s desire to relocate to a community that offers a slower pace of life while continuing his commitment to the Volunteers of America mission.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve alongside the dedicated employees, volunteers, partners, and supporters who make VOAWW’s mission possible,” said Smith. “Over the past 12 years, we have expanded our impact, strengthened our services, and supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors across Western Washington. While this decision was driven by my family’s desire for a new chapter, leaving VOAWW is incredibly difficult because of the people and partnerships that make this organization so special. I am deeply grateful for the relationships built here and have complete confidence that VOAWW’s best days are still ahead.”
To ensure a seamless transition, the VOAWW Board of Directors has appointed Kristi Myers as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Myers joined VOAWW in 2019 as Chief Development Officer and has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2023. She brings extensive leadership experience and deep knowledge of the organization, its programs, and the communities it serves.
“I have known and worked with Kristi as a board member since she joined VOAWW in 2019. I have always been confident in her abilities as Chief Development Officer, then COO, and I continue to have that same confidence and trust in her as she takes on the interim CEO position. I know the transition will be as seamless as possible, which is why the board selected her for the position. We all know the organization is in good hands with her,” Said Sturholm.
The Board of Directors will conduct a search to identify the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.
With more than 750 employees across eight service lines, VOAWW has served Western Washington communities for nearly 130 years. In 2025, the organization recorded more than half a million touchpoints of service through programs including Hunger Prevention, Housing Services, Behavioral Health Crisis Services, Senior Services, Dispute Resolution, Child and Youth Services, Integrated Community Support, and Personal Support Services. The organization continues to evolve to meet community needs and is excited to launch a new workforce development program in July. Guided by its mission to put faith into action through compassionate human services, VOAWW remains focused on meeting immediate needs, transforming lives, and building flourishing communities.
“The future is bright for VOAWW,” said Myers. “Our team remains committed to delivering compassionate, whole-person care that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. I am honored to help lead the organization through this transition and continue advancing our mission.”
Source: Volunteers of America Western Washington Press Release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
