04.08.2020
New Treehouse CEO Lisa Chin: ‘Times of Crisis Can Bring Out the Best in Us’
New Treehouse CEO Lisa Chin, Ph.D. has admired Treehouse for many years. She’s looking forward to connecting with our many partners who are ensuring the immediate and long-term needs of kids are met.
“I’m humbled by the strength of our Treehouse community and the team’s dedication to serve those impacted by foster care,” Lisa said. “This collective vision for a world where kids and young people are lifted up is unshakable even in trying times such as these.”
A visionary with a proven track record as a transformational leader, Lisa has spent her nonprofit career focused on young people, education equity and systems change work that provides opportunity to those who need it most. She’s honest, direct and fearless. Those are all qualities that benefit our children, youth and young adults in foster care as Treehouse weathers new challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, what a time to start a new job, especially as a CEO replacing the much-loved Janis Avery, who led Treehouse for 24 years.
“Raise your hand if this is your first pandemic?” Lisa asked at her first all-staff video meeting, bringing levity to a serious situation and putting everyone at ease with her humor, confidence and resilience. “I begin this journey knowing times of crisis can bring out the best in us, and I could not ask for a better team or a more dedicated community of support. I’m inspired to go beyond my own limits as we build our path forward together.”
Treehouse continues to adapt its existing programs under Lisa’s leadership to meet the immediate needs of youth in foster care during the crisis. The largest need is for financial assistance as many young adults lose their jobs. Requests for housing assistance and basic needs are being prioritized. Funding is available to all participants in Launch Success and Graduation Success living independently who face housing or employment instability.
“Treehouse has done the work so that we are ready to face this together,” said Lisa, who previously served as President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Executive Director of Year Up Puget Sound.
Meet Lisa on Treehouse’s Facebook live at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. She will be in conversation with Chief Development Officer Jessica Ross and taking your questions.
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About the Author
Trent Freeman is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Treehouse. He is passionate about storytelling as a tool to drive positive change for youth in foster care.