Homes first board
PRESIDENT
Evette Temple
VP of Commercial Lending, Bank of the Pacific
Evette joined the Board in 2020 and immediately became chair of the Resource Development Committee. In August of 2022, Evette stepped into the role of Treasurer and, in December 2022, stepped back from the role of Resource Development Chair to focus on finances for Homes First.
If you live in the Thurston County area, you may already know Evette from her work as a Chamber Ambassador, a position she enjoys and takes seriously because she feels building relationships with local businesses helps everyone succeed. With over 30 years of commercial lending experience in the South Sound market, Evette knows the territory and is a familiar face to many business owners. She is also well-versed in Deposit and Treasury Management services. When you speak with Evette, at Bank of the Pacific, you are speaking with a true Commercial Banker!
Evette is a dedicated mother of two adult children and one fur baby. She is known for being a good friend to many in the community and the woman you want to call when there is something to celebrate.
VICE 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.
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 - Interim
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."
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Mary Roberts
Data Abstractor, WA State Dept of Health
Mary, also a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, joined the board in February 2018, and brings a wealth of insight to the struggles of living at less than area median income.
Mary has a passion for serving the low income community and helps Homes First remember who we are here to serve.
Mary followed in her families footsteps of working in State Government for the past 21 years.
She raised her two children in the Tumwater school District and passed along her passion and commitment to public service to them.
Mary enjoys volunteering for other organizations and community events in Thurston County. She also enjoys gardening in her back yard and spending time with her family and friends.