Community Roots Housing has appointed Colleen Echohawk as its new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 6, following the retirement of longtime CEO Chris Persons at the end of the month. Echohawk brings over 20 years of experience, having previously served as executive director of Chief Seattle Club, where she was instrumental in creating nearly $100 million in affordable housing in Seattle. She is also the CEO of Eighth Generation, a Native-designed art and lifestyle brand, and is actively involved with the Seattle Foundation and Seattle Colleges. As an enrolled member of the Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation and the Upper Athabascan people, Echohawk is dedicated to advocating for Seattle’s Native and under-resourced communities. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Community Roots, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing as a pressing social justice issue. Under her leadership, Community Roots is set to expand significantly, with projects such as Copperleaf Northgate, which will add 232 affordable apartments, and the White Center HUB development, which includes a community center and 76 family-sized apartments. Additionally, the Constellation Center on Capitol Hill will feature a resource hub and new affordable housing for youth exiting homelessness.