May 26, 2022

YouthCare

YouthCare, a Seattle-based nonprofit focused on ending youth homelessness, announced Degale Cooper as its new chief executive officer. Cooper has been YouthCare's chief program officer since 2018. YouthCare's CEO search committee worked with national search firm Kittleman and Associates and engaged community leaders and staff in defining agency needs. More than 50 individuals applied and seven candidates from across the country engaged in an interview process. As YouthCare's CEO, Cooper will be charged with working in close partnership with the board, while leading the staff to further YouthCare's strategic direction and programming in support of youth experiencing homelessness. Cooper has more than 30 years of experience meeting the needs of children and families in the Puget Sound region. Cooper held leadership positions at the YWCA, Youth Eastside Services, Treehouse and the Mockingbird Society. Colleen Echohawk has served as interim CEO since September 2021. Echohawk has recently accepted the role as CEO of Eighth Generation, a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Echohawk will continue to serve as a member of YouthCare's board of directors. Founded in 1974, YouthCare was one of the first shelters to serve runaway and homeless youth on the West Coast. Since then, YouthCare has expanded to offer 19 programs at 16 locations serving more than 1,500 youth every year.