Leadership team
KCHA’s strategic direction comes from its Board of Commissioners and its Executive and Operations Leadership Teams.
Executive Leadership Team
Robin Walls
President/CEO
Robin joined KCHA in 2022. Robin has extensive experience in the affordable housing field and possesses deep knowledge of HUD programs. She came to KCHA from the Houston Housing Authority where she served, most recently, as Vice President of Housing Choice Voucher Programs. In that role, she also oversaw the organization’s grant-funded rental assistance programs for tenants. Prior to that, Robin served as the interim Housing Choice Voucher Program Director for the New Orleans Housing Authority and held supervisory roles at the Chicago Housing Authority’s HCV program. Robin has also provided consulting and technical assistance to numerous housing authorities around the country. Robin participates in several professional organizations including the National Leased Housing Association, where she serves on the board, and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, where she serves on multiple standing committees. Robin hails from Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
Tonya Harlan
Executive Vice President of People & Culture/Chief People Officer
Tonya joined KCHA in 2015. With more than 27 years of professional human resources experience, Ms. Harlan serves as a strategic business partner and oversees the Human Resources Office; she is responsible for KCHA’s recruitment, retention, labor relations, benefits, professional development, and training. Along with a strong business acumen, her comprehensive background in HR management, policy interpretation, and inclusive communication practices has resulted in strong and trusting relationships with her internal and external customers. Tonya is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Society for Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Prior to joining the Authority, Ms. Harlan was the Regional Associate Director of Human Resources-West Division for HMSHost – North America.
Steven Hellyer
Chief Technology Officer
Steven joined KCHA in 2024, and leads the organization’s technological strategy and innovation. With a strong focus on leveraging technology to improve housing services, he is a strategic business partner for implementing advanced IT solutions that enhance operational efficiency and resident satisfaction. Before joining KCHA, Steven served as the IT Director for the City of Everett. In this role, he oversaw the city’s IT infrastructure, ensuring the seamless operation of critical systems and services. His leadership was pivotal in modernizing the city’s technology landscape, driving initiatives that improved public service delivery and cybersecurity. Steven holds a degree in business administration and has over two decades of experience in the technology field. His expertise spans across various domains, including network management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative approach, Steven continues to be a key player in the tech community, dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence.
Wendy Teh
Executive Vice President / Chief Administrative Officer
Wendy joined KCHA in 2018 and was appointed Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Administrative Officer in 2026. In this role, she oversees the Finance and Administrative Services departments, providing strategic leadership for key organizational functions. Prior to her current position, she served as KCHA’s Chief Financial Officer, where she directed all major finance functions and led the organization through a significant enterprise software implementation. Her extensive experience in financial management, planning, and analysis spans both the public and private sectors. Before joining KCHA, she held a variety of roles with globally recognized organizations, including Kraft Heinz Company, Showtime Networks, and KPMG. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong track record in financial management, strategic planning, organizational transformation, and performance improvement initiatives. Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Victoria.
Asaph Glosser
Executive Vice President of Policy, Research, and Evaluations
Asaph joined KCHA in 2025, directing policy, research, and evaluation initiatives, ensuring that these efforts help advance KCHA’s mission to transform lives through housing. He has more than two decades of experience working in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations, focused on issues of economic mobility and family wellbeing. Prior to coming to KCHA, Asaph spent 15 years on the leadership team of MEF Associates, a social policy research firm, most recently as the Vice President of Strategy and Administration. An East Coast transplant, Asaph has been enthusiastically calling the Puget Sound region home for over 20 years. He has a bachelor’s degree from Bates College and a master’s degree from the University of Washington.
Lauren Mathisen
Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development.
Lauren joined KCHA in 2025. She has 13 years of experience in affordable housing development and finance, and for the last nine years led redevelopment finance at the Seattle Housing Authority including structuring, negotiating, and executing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects; navigating HUD policy and approvals; managing public bond offerings; supervising a redevelopment finance team; and leading financial modeling for large-scale projects such as Yesler Terrace and the Northgate Commons Redevelopment. Lauren holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington.
Kristy Johnson
Senior Vice President of Policy, Research & Social Impact Initiatives
Kristy joined KCHA in 2002 and brings over 20 years of experience in public housing administration, program development, and evaluation. A strong advocate for housing as a human right, Kristy has dedicated her career to expanding access to affordable and supportive housing. As Senior VP of Policy, Research & Social Impact Initiatives, Kristy oversees KCHA’s research and evaluation efforts, project-based voucher procurement and contracting, and initiatives that connect housing with education, health, and homelessness solutions. Kristy previously led KCHA’s Homeless Housing Initiatives, expanding the supportive housing portfolio and launching innovative programs such as Sponsor-based Supportive Housing, Student & Family Stability Initiative, Collaborative Case Management, and While-in-School Housing (WISH) programs. These efforts reflect her commitment to housing for all and cross-system collaboration with local governments, education institutions, nonprofits, and other partners. Kristy also serves on the Seattle/King County Housing Development Consortium (HDC) Board of Directors, advancing regional efforts to increase affordable housing options in her community.
Anne Martens
Senior Vice President of Communications
Anne joined KCHA in 2024. With 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, and advocacy, she has served in government, politics, non-profits, and philanthropy. She spent three years at the start-up King County Regional Homelessness Authority, working to build a new agency to coordinate regional homelessness response. Prior to that, she spent seven years with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she managed communications for the Washington State team, focusing on the foundation’s local COVID-19 response, improving education access and outcomes from pre-K through college, civic and community engagement, and preventing homelessness among families with children. Her previous work includes winning statewide ballot initiatives, nonprofit coalition management, communications for the Washington State Office of Financial Management under Governor Gregoire, and communications for the Oregon Secretary of State under Bill Bradbury. Born and raised in Seattle, Anne holds a law degree from Georgetown University and a BA in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley.
Andria Lazaga
Vice President of Compliance and Policy
Andria joined KCHA in early 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience in local public and affordable housing. She previously held several leadership roles at the Seattle Housing Authority, including Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives. There, she led the agency’s participation in the federal Moving to Work program and spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the Creating Moves to Opportunity demonstration and behavioral health outreach in housing authority communities—both developed in partnership with KCHA. Andria serves on policy advisory committees for multiple housing authority industry associations, helping to shape resources and regulatory frameworks that support local housing authorities in better serving their communities. Her earlier work includes roles in asset management, resident services, and youth career development. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and is an alum of Leadership Tomorrow Seattle.
JJ Jordan
Vice President of Capital Construction and Weatherization
JJ joined KCHA in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from both public and private industry sectors. Prior to joining KCHA, he managed large scale public infrastructure projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, integrating a wide range of complex facility related initiatives. With a strong focus on sustainable building practices, he holds a LEED AP BD+C certification, underscoring a commitment to energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction. At KCHA, JJ leads the capital construction and weatherization efforts, applying a blend of technical expertise and sustainable design principles to improve housing quality, comfort, and efficiency for low-income residents. JJ attended the University of Washington, where he received a master’s degree in construction management.
Operations Leadership Team
Pam Taylor
Senior Vice President of Housing Choice Vouchers
Pam joined KCHA in 2000 and brings over 26 years of experience, providing strategic leadership and oversight for the second largest HCV program in Washington, serving 14,000+ households, partnering with nearly 3,000 landlords, and leading a team of more than 100 staff. Pam is responsible for the administration and performance of KCHA’s tenant-based and project-based rental assistance programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while advancing innovative housing solutions that expand access for low-income individuals and families. Throughout her tenure at KCHA, Pam led numerous high-impact initiatives, including the implementation of Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, Community Choice Programs (CCP), and Creative Moves to Opportunity Areas (CMTO). She also played a key role in developing strategies to maximize housing opportunities, strengthen landlord partnerships, and support vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness, disability, or housing instability. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Pam works closely with other housing authorities, community-based organizations, service providers, and federal partners to address King County’s housing challenges. Pam is committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and ensuring that KCHA’s housing programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of King County residents.
Teri Ekenman
Assistant Vice President of Housing Choice Vouchers
Teri oversees Supportive Housing and inspections, supporting one of KCHA’s largest program areas, helping manage initiatives that connect thousands of households with affordable housing opportunities across King County. Drawing on years of experience in housing program management and operations, Teri focuses on service excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration with residents, landlords, community organizations, and public partners. Teri is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions that increase housing access and support long-term stability for individuals and families. As a member of KCHA’s leadership team, Teri contributes to agency-wide efforts to strengthen communities and expand access to affordable housing throughout the region.
Candy Halamuda
Assistant Vice President of Housing Choice Vouchers
Candy oversees Tenant Based Housing and portability functions. As a member of the leadership team, Candy provides strategic direction for one of the region’s largest housing assistance programs. In her role, she manages program operations, policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and service delivery efforts that help individuals and families access and maintain stable housing. Candy’s expertise is in the administration and operation of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, with a focus on program integrity, regulatory compliance, service excellence, and organizational leadership. With more than 25 years of experience in public service leading public assistance and housing programs, Candy is dedicated to strengthening communities and transforming lives through housing.
Penny Bradley
Senior Vice President of Housing Management (Subsidized Housing)
Penny began her career at KCHA in 1999 and has dedicated 27 years of service to the agency. She now serves as Senior Vice President of Housing Management, providing strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of affordable housing communities. She brings extensive experience in property operations, asset stewardship, regulatory compliance, resident services, and organizational change, with a focus on maintaining safe, high-quality housing and strengthening outcomes for residents. Known for practical and collaborative leadership, Penny works across departments and with community partners to turn complex housing requirements into clear, effective solutions. Her work includes supporting major housing initiatives, guiding teams through operational transitions, and advancing performance and accountability. She is committed to responsive public service, strong partnerships, and creating communities where residents can thrive.
Shawli Hathaway
Vice President of Resident Services
Shawli joined KCHA in 2015 and serves as Vice President of Resident Services. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in affordable housing and human services, she oversees KCHA’s resident services strategy and portfolio, aligning programs and partnerships to advance economic mobility, workforce development, educational achievement, community engagement, and housing stability. Shawli is dedicated to creating pathways that enable residents to achieve greater self-determination and long-term success. Her work focuses on leveraging housing as a platform for opportunity and building partnerships that connect residents to the resources, supports, and networks needed to thrive. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Sociology and a Master of Public Administration.
Lisa Galvin
Assistant Vice President of Resident Services
Lisa leads teams that connect KCHA clients with services and resources to advance housing stability, health, education, community connections, and economic mobility. She also guides strategic planning for the department, with a focus on equitable service delivery and positive resident outcomes. Previously, Lisa served as Director of Program Strategy at Seattle’s Feeding America affiliate, where she led the Community Programs team. She brings 15 years of additional experience designing and managing international development programs, including work at a women’s clinic in Nicaragua supporting survivors of domestic violence. Lisa holds a Master of Public Health in Health Equity and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Relations.
Dave Allan
Senior Vice President of Asset Management
Dave oversees KCHA’s asset managed housing portfolio, including housing financed through low-income housing tax credits, workforce housing programs, and manufactured homeownership initiatives. This portfolio is sometimes called “workforce housing,” and primarily rents to people with moderate incomes. With more than 20 years of experience in multifamily housing and over 13 years at KCHA, Dave leads efforts related to portfolio performance, preservation, redevelopment, acquisitions, and long-term asset strategy. He is committed to ensuring quality, sustainable housing opportunities for all King County residents.
Marc Garcia
Vice President of Finance / Chief Financial Officer
Marc joined KCHA in 2026 bringing with him a diverse blend of leadership experience. He most recently served as CFO for The Salvation Army’s Northwest Division, then becoming Executive Director for its housing and homelessness operations across King County. There Marc led eight different sites providing over five hundred beds each night from severe weather shelter to permanent supportive housing. Previously he was the Chief Financial and Operating Officer for a nonprofit addiction treatment provider in Central Washington that restored Washingtonians and their families back to health. Before his pivot into the nonprofit space 12 years ago, Marc spent his formative finance career in tech at Controller and Senior Manager levels with Microsoft and Cisco. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine and a BA from the University of California Santa Barbara. Marc’s passionate about housing and is grateful to advance the innovative, life-changing work KCHA is committed to for all our neighbors.