Janet Pope selected as Director of Compass Housing Alliance

Executive Director Janet Pope

The Board of Directors of Compass Housing Alliance has selected Janet Pope as executive director, effective October 21, 2013. She assumes the role of Rick Friedhoff, who retired in October 2012 after serving 16 years as Compass Housing Alliance executive director.

Pope was chosen to lead Compass Housing Alliance following a comprehensive local and national search that produced several qualified candidates. The Board was impressed with her passion for the organizational mission, her faith-based background, fund development experience, as well as proactive and visionary leadership skills. Her experience in nonprofit management, facility oversight, and executive leadership of homeless service organizations makes her uniquely qualified to lead Compass Housing Alliance in providing impactful services and housing options for people struggling with homelessness and poverty in the Seattle area.

Since 2000, Pope has devoted most of her career to making a positive difference in homeless issues across the Greater Seattle area. Prior to a stint as Executive Director of Seattle Musical Theatre, she served as the Director of HomeStep, a services enriched transitional housing program that served over 400 homeless families and individuals during her tenure. HomeStep operated under the umbrella of The Church Council of Greater Seattle and merged with Compass Housing Alliance in 2011. Before leading HomeStep, Pope was Executive Director of the Interfaith Association of Northwest Washington where she successfully leveraged faith community resources to address critical needs in homeless prevention, emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing and other vital services covering a multi-county area.

"Compass Housing Alliance is fortunate to attract an individual of Janet's caliber," said Peter Struck, Board of Directors president. "Her knowledge and experience, coupled with her dedication and passion for the mission of our organization, provides a solid foundation to lead Compass Housing Alliance forward."

MJ Kiser, who has served as Interim Executive Director during the past year, will be returning to her position as Program Director.