Volunteers of America Western Washington CEO to leave

Published 1:30 am Monday, June 29, 2026

EVERETT — The CEO of Volunteers of America Western Washington, a major Everett nonprofit, will leave his role on July 10, the organization announced Friday.

Brian Smith, the CEO of the nonprofit since 2023, is leaving his position to serve as the chief executive at another Volunteers of America branch in Wyoming. The decision was due to “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,” a press release read.

In his place, the nonprofit’s board appointed the current chief operating officer, Kristi Myers, to serve as the interim CEO. She has worked at the nonprofit since 2019.

“I know the transition will be as seamless as possible, which is why the board selected her for the position,” board chair Suzan Sturholm wrote in a press release. “We all know the organization is in good hands with her.”

Volunteers of America Western Washington operates Everett’s senior center, the Carl Gipson Center, as well as running food banks across the region and providing emergency cold weather shelter during the winter, along with a number of other support services.

Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.