Leadership Spotlight: Colleen Echohawk Named CEO of Community Roots Housing

At Mysti’s Adult and Family Services WA, we know leadership rooted in empathy, equity, and accountability drives true community transformation. That’s why we are thrilled to highlight Colleen Echohawk's appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of Community Roots Housing, effective October 6, 2025.

Colleen brings over 20 years of leadership experience as an executive, small business owner, and community organizer. As Executive Director of the Chief Seattle Club, she helped catalyze nearly $100 million in new affordable housing across Seattle. She has also served as CEO of Eighth Generation and currently serves on the Seattle Foundation and Seattle Colleges boards. Colleen is an enrolled member of the Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation and a member of the Upper Athabascan people of Mentasta Lake.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time. Longtime CEO Chris Persons is retiring after 18 years of service, leaving a strong foundation for Colleen to build on. She will be leading during a period of major growth for Community Roots Housing, with projects including:

• Copperleaf Northgate: 232 affordable apartments adjacent to light rail and transit.

• White Center HUB and Canopy White Center: 76 family-sized affordable apartments and a community center.

• Constellation Center with YouthCare: 84 affordable apartments and 15 homes designed for youth exiting homelessness, alongside an education and employment hub.

In her own words, Colleen shared:

“Affordable housing is one of the most urgent issues facing our city and our country, and it is deeply connected to my lifelong commitment to social justice. For me, this work is about more than buildings—it is about dignity, belonging, and hope.”

At Mysti’s, we couldn’t agree more. Housing is never just about bricks and mortar — it’s about people, dignity, and opportunity. Colleen’s appointment is an important step forward for Seattle’s affordable housing movement, and a reminder of the power of values-based leadership.

We celebrate her vision and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will create for residents, families, and communities.