Kat's Corner - September 2025

matthewjager4
Sep 19
2 min read

Updated: Oct 2

Welcome to Kat's Corner!

Agency updates and insight from Housing Hope's CEO, Kathryn Opina.

Kat Opina, Housing Hope's 4th CEO, had a few words that she wanted to share with everyone about her recent appointment. We are so excited to begin the next chapter on our mission to keep hope alive in Snohomish County.

The full press release for the announcement is included below as well.

The Housing Hope Executive Board has announced the appointment of Kathryn Opina as the new Chief Executive Officer for Housing Hope and HopeWorks, effective September 1, 2025. Ms. Opina previously served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the past six months and has been the lead operations and general administrator for the organization for the last two years.

Ms. Opina brings extensive experience in non-profit fiscal management and operations to her role. As CEO, she will report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure consistent leadership for Housing Hope and its subsidiaries, including Housing Hope Properties and HopeWorks Social Enterprises Agency.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Housing Hope, I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Kathryn Opina as the agency’s permanent CEO. During her tenure as interim CEO, Kat has demonstrated her technical knowledge, leadership skills, and commitment to the agency’s mission to provide affordable housing to those in need in Snohomish County. Kat, along with her Senior Leadership Team, developed a plan for the agency, which they are executing now. We believe that Kat’s appointment as the permanent CEO will enable Housing Hope to continue moving forward without losing momentum,” said the Board Chair Kirby Duncan.

“I am honored and thrilled to accept the position of Chief Executive Officer at Housing Hope and Hope Works, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence that the board of directors and the entire organization have placed in me.

As I step into this role, I am committed to leading the agency with integrity, vision, and a relentless focus on innovation and excellence. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to drive our strategic initiatives, foster a culture of collaboration, and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.

Together, we will navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Housing Hope continues to thrive and make a positive impact in our community.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you.”

Kathryn Opina

CEO of Housing Hope

Media Contact Information

Media interviews with Ms. Opina are available upon request. For more information, please contact Joan Penney at joanpenney@housinghope.org. Direct emails to Ms. Opina can be sent to kathrynopina@housinghope.org