Sarah Smith Selected as New Executive Director of Everett Housing Authority

Everett Housing Authority (EHA) is excited to announce the appointment of Sarah Smith as the agency's new Executive Director, effective November 1, 2025. Smith brings over 12 years of leadership experience in the housing authority sector and a strong record of advancing affordable housing, resident services, and community growth.

Most recently, Smith served as Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Executive Director at the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, where she oversaw the Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Resident Services departments. She developed and implemented policies that supported the agency's culture and long-term vision, promoting community growth and economic self-sufficiency. While serving as second-in-command, she also managed large-scale federal grant programs including DOL YouthBuild, HUD Jobs Plus, and a HUD Choice Neighborhoods planning grant.

Prior to her role in Fort Wayne, Smith spent six years at Seattle Housing Authority, where she advanced through multiple leadership roles between 2013 and 2019, concluding her time there as the Housing Programs & Occupancy Administrator. Her return to the Pacific Northwest is a homecoming and reflects a meaningful connection to EHA; her predecessor, former Deputy Executive Director John Forsyth, also came to EHA from Seattle Housing Authority.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Smith as our new Executive Director," said Koren Smith, Chair of the Everett Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. "Her deep experience at multiple public housing authorities, proven leadership, and commitment to residents will strengthen EHA's mission to provide quality, affordable housing and services to the Everett community."

Smith expressed her excitement about joining EHA, stating, "It is an honor to be selected as the next Executive Director of Everett Housing Authority. I look forward to working alongside the talented EHA team, our community partners, and most importantly, our residents. Together, we will continue to build on EHA's legacy of providing safe, affordable housing while creating opportunities for families and individuals in the Everett area to thrive."

Smith will officially assume her new role on November 1, 2025.  Current EHA Executive Director Mary Swenson will provide support to Smith through the end of the year to ensure a seamless leadership transition.