Thurston Co. nonprofit CEO exits after 14 years. The new CEO has a familiar name
Chris Wells, the former leader of the United Way of Thurston County, which closed earlier this year, has been named the interim chief executive of Homes First, a Lacey-based provider of affordable rental housing.
Wells replaces former longtime CEO Trudy Soucoup, who departed Homes First in early June after 14 years as CEO. Soucoup declined to comment on the situation on Wednesday.
The Olympian has also reached out to Homes First board chair Danielle Bryant for comment.
Wells said Wednesday her first order of business is to make sure the nonprofit continues to operate and remains stable.
“You have to do an assessment and come up with a plan for the next 12 months,” said Wells, “so we’ll see what the next several months bring.”
Wells acknowledged that 2025 was a difficult year for Homes First. Some of the nonprofit’s properties were damaged by fire and flooding, which required expensive repairs, and that’s in addition to nonprofits feeling the strain of the current economy where costs have gone up and giving has gone down. United Way, for example, closed at the end of March.
Former Homes First board member Evette Temple served six years, she said Wednesday. Rather than complete her term until July, she chose to leave in March.
“I had deep financial concerns about how things were being managed,” said Temple in brief comments to The Olympian.
Wells couldn’t speak to the board situation in detail, saying she needs to learn more about it.
“Board development is always important,” Wells said.
In a prepared statement, Bryant said the board at Homes First is incredibly pleased to welcome Wells into the new role.
“Chris brings the exact leadership, vision, and deep community alignment needed to ensure stability and growth. We have absolute confidence in her ability to advance our mission alongside our dedicated staff,” said Bryant.
Wells served as United Way of Thurston County executive director from 2017 until 2026.
“She will work closely with the board and the internal team to ensure that all daily operations, property management, and tenant care continues without interruption,” the news release reads.
Hometown Property Management owner Andrew Barkis, who also is a state lawmaker, has as of the first of the year a direct relationship with Homes First because his business manages about 60 of their properties, both single-family and multi-family residences.
“Someone who has experience with a large nonprofit can only be an asset,” said Barkis on Wednesday about Wells and her new role.
Since 1990, Homes First has created stable, permanent rental housing for low-income individuals and families across Thurston and Mason counties, according to the release.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated with comments from CEO Chris Wells.
This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 3:59 PM.
