Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Friday, January 5, 2024 at 12:57 p.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown has appointed Dawn Kinder to be the new director of the Neighborhood, Housing, and Human Services division.
Kinder brings to the role years of significant experience leading behavioral health, human services, and workforce development initiatives.
Most recently, Kinder served as Chief Stabilization Officer at Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, where she provided leadership and oversight for multiple departments serving formerly homeless families and individuals, families involved in child welfare, long length of stay hospital patients, as well as those exiting institutions.
Prior to her role with Catholic Charities, Kinder served as the Director of the Neighborhood and Business Services Division with the City of Spokane. In that position, she oversaw eight City departments including Community, Housing and Human Services; Planning and Economic Development; Developer Services; Code Enforcement; Parking; Historic Preservation; and My Spokane Customer Service.
“Dawn is a proven leader who brings an extensive wealth of knowledge to this role. Her experience in elevating housing standards, enhancing affordability, and improving public safety will be integral as we develop new strategies to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis in our community,” Mayor Brown said.
Kinder has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Eastern Washington and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Washington State University. She also holds certifications in Family Studies, Violence Prevention, and Mental Health.
