SEATTLE – January 7, 2015 – The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) has announced the appointment of Kerry Coughlin as Director of Communications. Coughlin started with SHA on January 2. She serves on the Executive Cabinet, providing counsel and oversight to ensure effective communication with the SHA Board of Commissioners, residents and clients, elected officials, partner agencies, media, the public, employees and other stakeholders.
Most recently Coughlin served as a director with the international Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), an organization devoted to environmental, food security and economic sustainability of the $150 billion global seafood industry. Prior to MSC, Coughlin was a consultant with the Daniel J. Evans Graduate School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington and held top communications leadership positions with Governor Chris Gregoire, The Seattle Times Company and the YWCA of Seattle, King and Snohomish Counties. Prior to her career in management and corporate communications, Coughlin worked as a journalist.
“Kerry comes to us with an impressive background and she will be a great asset in helping SHA fulfill our mission as a nationally recognized leader in providing innovative, affordable housing and support programs for low-income residents of Seattle,” said Andrew Lofton, Executive Director of SHA.
Anne Fiske Zuniga, SHA Deputy Executive Director, said “I’m thrilled for Kerry to be joining us and know that she’ll be a great addition to our senior management team as we work to keep our clients, partners and the public informed and engaged.”
“I’m pleased to join an outstanding leadership team at SHA and support staff and partners as we navigate through challenges such as significant federal funding reductions, and opportunities including the rollout of an exciting Yesler Terrace redevelopment,” said Coughlin. “SHA plays a major part in the livability and vibrant future of our city.”
About Seattle Housing Authority
The mission of the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is to enhance the Seattle community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability and self-sufficiency for people with low incomes. SHA provides long-term, low-income rental housing and rental assistance to more than 29,000 people in the City of Seattle. SHA owns and operates approximately 9,000 units at more than 400 sites throughout the city. SHA also handles more than 10,000 Housing Choice Vouchers (also known as Section 8), enabling low-income residents to receive rental assistance in the private housing market. Approximately 11,000 SHA residents are elderly or disabled and about 9,500 are children. SHA, a public corporation established in 1939, is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, two of whom are SHA residents. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.