Homes first board
PRESIDENT
Thomasina Cooper
Fair Manager, Thurston County Fair & Events
Joining the Board in 2019, Thomasina has a heart for service and uses her talents every day as Manager of the Thurston County Fairgrounds & Event Center.
As the former executive assistant to Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser, she helped citizens problem-solve issues, ensures the commissioner is successful, manages independent projects, and participates in county-wide programs.
Thomasina was the Board Secretary for three years and as Vice President for the last two, she brings nearly two decades of non-profit experience, in which she wore many hats.
From reception to program manager to development assistant and finally development director, she is familiar with both programmatic and administrational facets of non-profit management. Working in substance use prevention and domestic violence crisis response agencies taught Thomasina how to stay grounded even in the most challenging moments.
She is proud to continue her non-profit service as a Board member for Homes First.
Thomasina shares her Olympia home with her husband Jim, daughter Maggie, and rescue dog Rusty. An avid gardener, traveler, and photographer, Thomasina is most happy when adventuring with her family in their camper trailer.
VICE PRESIDENT
Danielle Bryant
Director of Diversity & Inclusion in Education, ESD 113
Danielle Bryant joined Homes First in January 2024. As the new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Education she has a dynamic background spanning science, education, and non-profit work, Bryant brings a unique perspective and a commitment to positive change in our educational communities.
Danielle's immediate plans include extensive engagement with various ESD programs and school districts in our region to understand their unique needs and to infuse a DEI perspective into their operations.
Danielle tells us that "Making change is important to me. Being at a place where teams can make that change and are willing to make that change is important. It took me my lifetime to figure that out."
TREASURER
Olivia Hickerson
Founder/CEO, Empower Tactics
A welcome addition to our Board of Directors in January 2024, Olivia worked for a short time as the Executive Director of Sidewalk after two years at Skagit Friendship House, a shelter in Mount Vernon. She also has her undergraduate degree in social science and government from Liberty University in Virginia.
Olivia brings knowledge of the nonprofit sector and homeless services that will serve our participants and organization well. She is passionate about our mission, vision, and values and hopes to help Homes First increase our reach and serve more people who need homes they can afford.
SECRETARY
Reneé Lewis
Combined Fund Drive, Washington Secretary of State
Renee Lewis is deeply committed to serving her community. Born at Fort Lewis in Tacoma and raised across California and Idaho, Renee’s journey led her to Utah before returning to Washington with her family in the summer of 2021.
Since joining the Homes First Board in July of 2023, she has assisted wherever her skills fit and help is needed. Her favorite part is connecting with the people of Homes First, the Board Members, Participants, Employees, and Donors alike. Hearing stories of the organization’s community impact is all the motivation to stay committed. Renee volunteered to lead the Resource Development Committee as its Chair in the fall of 2024.
Her dedication to community service extends beyond volunteerism, as she currently serves as the Donor Management Systems Specialist for the Washington State Combined Fund Drive, the state employee charitable giving program, ensuring donations are delivered to charities across the world. With a background in office management, fiscal analysis, property management, and community engagement, Renee brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Outside of work, she enjoys great wine, playing games, and outdoor adventures with her husband and three boys, relishing every moment spent exploring Washington’s natural beauty.
Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Information Technology Management at Western Governors University, Renee embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and community enrichment.