PRESS RELEASE: Metro Denver Homeless Initiative Announces New Executive Director
Jason Johnson to Serve as Next Executive Director
DENVER, COLORADO – October 21, 2024 – The board of directors of the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) announced today that Jason Johnson has been selected to serve as the organization’s next Executive Director. Jason currently serves as the Executive Director of Vashon Household in King County, Washington.
The interview and selection process spanned several months and included input from community stakeholders, partners, and MDHI staff. “We are extremely grateful for the collaboration, support, and patience from our community partners and the MDHI team as we worked through this important process,” said Brendan Clark, board president. “Jason embodies the values, experience and passion that we were searching for in the next leader of MDHI, and we are so thrilled to welcome him back to Colorado to lead and advance the amazing work being done at MDHI and across the region to end homelessness.”
Jason has served as the Executive Director of Vashon Household since May 2022. Previously, Jason spent a decade in the nonprofit sector managing regional housing programs for seniors, families and people living with terminal illness or permanent disabilities. Jason also brings 16+ years of leadership in the public sector as the former Director of the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department and a Planner with the City of Kent Housing and Human Services Division. Jason is a licensed social worker originally from Boulder, Colorado where he grew up in publicly funded affordable housing and whose family relied on many of the social safety net services he has spent his career advancing. Jason has lived in Seattle since 1997 and aside from his work, Jason enjoys travel, live music, recreational sports, and time outdoors with his dog Disco and husband Rob.
“We are incredibly excited for Jason to lead MDHI as we embark upon this next chapter for the organization. His experience leading in both the nonprofit and public sectors, history of fostering collaboration, commitment to equity, and lifelong dedication to serving our unhoused neighbors are just some of the many reasons we believe Jason is the right choice to lead MDHI.” Jason will begin this new position on December 16, 2024.
“On behalf of the board of MDHI, I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca Mayer for serving as Interim Executive Director over this past year,” added Brendan. “Rebecca provided stability and leadership during a time of transition and ensured that MDHI continued to advance its mission as we searched for a new Executive Director. She went above and beyond what the board asked of her and will always be a valued member of the MDHI family. We wish her the best in her future endeavors and thank her for continuing her commitment to ending homelessness in our region.”