Homes First Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Trudy Soucoup, MAOL

Trudy joined Homes First as Chief Executive in October 2011, and began leading the organization into its third decade of creating safe, healthy, and affordable rental housing in Thurston County.

Deputy Director

Rachael Childs

Rachael joined Homes First, in March of 2023 as the Deputy Director. With more than 15 years of working in the nonprofit sector, an MA in Organizational Development (2013), and a passion for working human rights, Rachael is excited to be working with an organization that creates an impact in the community...

Director of Finance

Candace Wood, CPA

Candace joined Homes First in September of 2020 as a contractor to help support the financial stability and long term planning which will enhance our ability to provide more homes for our community.

Director of Operations

Jena Embry Loes, B.Ed

Jena brings her two decades of experience serving in Olympia area nonprofit organizations to her new position as Director of Operations for Homes First.

Director of Programs and Assets

Ron Stewart

Ron celebrated his 20th Anniversary with Homes First in 2023. With experience in construction, renovation, and rehabilitation Ron is a stalwart at our organization, supporting the maintenance of both our homes and our tenants.

Finance Coordinator

Amy Sewell, MS

Amy joined Homes First in 2009 to support office operations. She has been part of many changes at the organization, and helps ensure that our finances, and the care of our tenants, stay on track.

Program Services Navigator

Dyana Todd, BA

Dyana joined Homes First in 2019, bringing a background in social services and a deep interest in housing. Her job is to work with our current and incoming tenants to navigate the many systems in our community; systems that they need to be successful tenants.

Property Manager

Keith Garlinghouse

Keith comes to us with a broad background and skills in property maintenance work, including over 10 years' experience working with local property companies.

Executive Administrative Assistant

Jenna Brannon

Jenna joined the Homes First team in 2023 as the Executive Administrative Assistant. Backed by a wide range of experience in supporting efficient and productive office environments and a strong desire to inspire positive change in the local community.

Maintenance Technician II

Felly Giorgianni, Jr.

Felly is a valuable member of the Homes First staff, but also worked with us for years as a skilled contractor. A former tenant, he is a leader in his faith community as well as in the Oxford House International program.

Maintenance Technician I

Carlos Calderon

My name is Carlos Calderon

I have been married to my wife Maria Calderon for 43 years and have two daughters and two grandsons. I am from San Salvador and I have lived in the US for 42 years.

I have 30 years of experience in building maintenance and I enjoy what I do.

Maintenance Technician I

Cedar Blue

Cedar Blue joined our maintenance team in January of 2023. Cedar was born and raised in Olympia. He comes to Homes First with a background of landscape construction and car mechanics. He states that his “eyes are full of wonder, enjoys contemplating life and taking in its beauty through star-gazing, forest walks, and looking at the ocean's horizon.”

Maintenance Technician I

Tameka Brown

Tameka Brown joined Homes First in June of 2023 with a versatile background in caring for people and residences alike. She grew up helping her dad with all aspects of remodeling homes and worked as a dietary aid at a community retirement home.