Volunteers of America Western Washington CEO to depart, interim leader named

Volunteers of America Western Washington announced that Chief Executive Officer Brian Smith will leave the organization July 10 to become CEO of Volunteers of America Northern Rockies.

Smith has spent 12 years with the VOAWW organization, joining as a behavioral specialist in disability services before serving as senior director of disability services, chief operating officer in 2018 and CEO in 2023.

During his tenure, Smith helped lead the organization through a period of growth, expanding services and support for individuals and families throughout Western Washington.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Brian for close to 10 years as a board member, and the last five as board chair,” Board Chair Suzan Sturholm said. “I have been incredibly impressed by his skills, talent and ability, and by his leadership over the last three years. What is a huge loss to VOAWW is a huge gain for our Northern Rockies affiliation.”

Smith said his decision to relocate was driven by his family’s desire for a slower pace of life.

“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,” Smith said. “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,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the relationships built here and have complete confidence that VOAWW’s best days are still ahead.”

The board appointed Chief Operating Officer Kristi Myers as interim CEO while it conducts a search for Smith’s permanent successor.

Myers joined the organization in 2019 as chief development officer and has served as chief operating officer since 2023.

“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,” Sturholm said of Myers. “We all know the organization is in good hands with her.”

Volunteers of America Western Washington employs more than 750 people across eight service lines and has served Western Washington communities for nearly 130 years. In 2025, the organization reported more than 500,000 service touchpoints through programs including hunger prevention, housing, behavioral health crisis response, senior services, dispute resolution, child and youth services, integrated community support and personal support services.

“The future is bright for VOAWW,” Myers said. “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.”