“After getting to know each candidate and carefully considering their match to the organization – which continues to grow – we are confident in this exceptional group of new members for YouthCare’s board of directors. They embody commitment and dedication to youth and the community,” said Matthew Turetsky, board chair of YouthCare’s Board of Directors.

“This newest group comes to YouthCare with an array of critical skills and pertinent experiences, and we are excited to work with them to continue to provide homeless youth with the services and support that they need and deserve. We are truly honored to welcome this cohort.”

Erin Coomer, a former YouthCare employee, has a long-standing commitment to and knowledge of YouthCare and its work serving homeless youth. She has also served on the staff team at the Center for Children & Youth Justice.  Erin is a committed and visionary community volunteer, acting as an ambassador for the causes she cares about by supporting fundraising and linking nonprofits to businesses. Her leadership stems from a strong belief that every young person should have access to the tools, skills, and confidence necessary to build a bright future.

J.D. Kritser of Steelhead Partners, LLC is a Senior Investment Analyst focused on portfolio management and investment strategy. He also has experience with philanthropic giving and foundation management. Before joining Steelhead Partners, J.D. was an associate at Newbridge Capital, LLC, where he invested in private equity transactions, including all aspects of transaction execution and portfolio company supervision. He brings to YouthCare significant knowledge about finance, investment, and endowment management, as well as a profound optimism, drive, and sense of community.

Brett Robinson, Executive Vice President of Leisure Care, the Senior Living division of One Eighty, is an active and dedicated YouthCare volunteer. His team at Leisure Care has been committed to supporting YouthCare in many capacities over the years, including hosting a table at the agency’s annual fundraising luncheon, organizing drives for needed supplies, and preparing meals for homeless young people. Brett brings expertise in business management, motivating teams, and communications strategy to YouthCare’s board.

Ali David Seals, Timberlands Counsel for Weyerhaeuser, is a talented attorney with a notable commitment to the community. Prior to joining the YouthCare board and while living in Portland, Ali served on the board of Ethos, a nonprofit focusing on providing low and no-cost music instruction to area youth. While in Portland, he also revived and led a professional association for local African-American lawyers. In addition to his legal expertise, Ali has a significant marketing and communications background.

Trudi Slater, a Vice President of Global Operations/Planning and Communications at Starbucks Coffee Company, is deeply committed to giving back to the community and to serving young people. She was recognized by the Community Engagement team and Foundation at Starbucks for her passion for young people and was thereby introduced to YouthCare. Trudi has significant expertise in operationalizing big planning decisions, as well as extensive knowledge of Starbucks and the coffee industry.

Andrea (Andy) Voytko, Deputy Director, CEO’s Office, at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has served at the foundation for many years. She has experience with the significant growth of the foundation and a passion for both local and global programs reaching at-risk youth.  Prior to joining the foundation in 2006, Andrea spent many years in leadership at Group Health Cooperative, focused on strategic planning, executive operations, and managing key partnerships. She has strong planning expertise and skills for managing expansion in mission-focused environments.

For more than 40 years, YouthCare has been providing essential services to Seattle’s homeless youth. As a local service provider, regional leader, and national voice of influence for homeless youth and young adults, we aim to build confidence and self-sufficiency for homeless youth by providing a continuum of care that includes outreach, basic services, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education, employment training, and prevention services.