Good Morning YouthCare Friends & Family,

Today, YouthCare is announcing the six-member transition team that will lead the organization in refocusing programmatic efforts and financial systems to best align with its core mission. We feel this is an important step in setting YouthCare up for a long, successful future. I am excited to help lead this team as Interim CEO, pulling from my long history of working to fight homelessness in King County, including as Executive Director at Mary’s Place.

Joining me in these efforts are Alison Dean, Jackie Liao, Rob Stewart, Kristi Tollner and William J. Wiggins, names you will no doubt recognize as strong leaders in our community who share the mission, vision and values of YouthCare. For those who might not know them as well, I’ve included short bios for all of them at the bottom of this email.

I am so grateful for the staff and volunteers who have worked diligently to carry out YouthCare’s mission for so many years. They will continue to be an important part of revitalizing the organization so that it may continue to serve hundreds of unhoused youth every year.

I am committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process, which will begin with focusing on a 60 day plan in conjunction with our board and staff to develop a clear strategy for the organization. We expect to be able to share more insights into this plan by October. Myself and members of the transition team will simultaneously be engaging with city and county leaders, community members, unhoused youth and YouthCare supporters in the spirit of collaboration which has made YouthCare such a well-respected organization in the region.

YouthCare was founded in 1974 by a couple who sought to take action and prevent the trauma caused by youth homelessness. For more than 50 years, YouthCare has continued those efforts, expanding its staff, programs and footprint. It is with that spirit and intentions in mind that we embark on this new journey together. Stability and hope are not just within reach for YouthCare, they are ahead of us, because this community believes in our mission and in the limitless potential of the young people we serve.

I welcome the opportunity to connect with you. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like a personal update: marty.hartman@youthcare.org.

In Community,

Marty Hartman
Interim CEO, YouthCare

About YouthCare 

YouthCare works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential. YouthCare envisions a community where no young person experiences homelessness, all young people have the opportunity to thrive, and the systems that oppress them are dismantled. More than 1,500 young people are served annually with a range of support from access to housing, basic needs, and meals, to workforce training and education that empowers them to access jobs and financial opportunities.  

Transition Team Bios 

Marty Hartman is a visionary nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience advancing solutions to family homelessness. As Executive Director of Mary’s Place for 24 years, she scaled the organization from a $32K budget to over $30M, launching nationally recognized programs like Popsicle Place, mobile outreach, and the Emergency Family Intake Line. Marty also served as King County Social Entrepreneur at the Schultz Family Foundation, working with youth and young adult service providers from across the county to develop a more coordinated approach to supporting young people.

Alison Dean is a strategic operations leader with expertise in housing access, nonprofit partnerships, and systems change. As President of HNN Communities, she led national expansion, launched the organization’s first Project Management Office, and streamlined operations across hundreds of housing access partnerships. A longtime advocate for housing as a human right, Alison brings a relational, equity-driven approach to organizational growth. 

Jackie Liao is a strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience in social impact, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement. As Executive Director of the Starbucks Foundation, she led global investments supporting Opportunity Youth, veterans, refugees, and farmers in 75+ countries. Jackie is known for helping mission-driven organizations clarify complex challenges and design equity-centered strategies that drive lasting change. 

Rob Stewart is a seasoned nonprofit executive with deep expertise in youth homelessness and family services. He served as Executive Director at New Horizons (2018–2025), leading strategic growth, budgeting, and philanthropy. Prior to that, Rob was Deputy Director at Mary’s Place, guiding operations and resource development. His earlier work at Horizons for Homeless Children reflects a long-standing commitment to community engagement and cross-sector collaboration. 

Kristi Tollner is a nonprofit finance and operations leader with over 25 years of experience across sectors. As Chief Financial Officer at Mary’s Place (2011–2021), she oversaw the organization’s growth from a $480K budget to $18M, leading finance, HR, IT, and facilities. Kristi brings deep expertise in aligning infrastructure with mission, navigating transitions, and building scalable systems that support sustainable impact. 

William J. Wiggins is a human resources and culture leader with a strong track record in equity, talent development, and inclusive workplace strategy. As Chief People & Culture Officer at YouthCare, he leads HR initiatives that center youth experience and staff wellbeing. William’s prior roles at SEIU 775 Benefits Group, Virginia Mason, and Eating Recovery Center reflect his expertise in DEI, compliance, and leadership development. 

Read the full press release here.