Kathryn (Kate) Donnelly Cook
Bellingham,WA
Summary
Strategic operations executive with extensive experience in public-sector housing, specializing in compliance and asset management. Proven track record in enhancing team performance and operational efficiency. Successfully managed $2.5M in cash-flow for organizational growth. Dedicated to leading teams and driving strategic goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
Bellingham, WA
01.2017 - Current
- Built stakeholder partnerships with funders, board of commissioners, local government agencies, auditors, and other key groups to support organizational goals.
- Supported public housing operations by maintaining compliance and consistent service delivery.
- Directed multi-divisional operations, managing 30+ staff and contractors.
- Supported cross-department initiatives that improved operational efficiency and performance metrics.
- Managed construction and capital planning for new developments and major rehabilitations.
- Oversaw facilities management to support marketability and regulatory compliance.
- Implemented performance metrics that improved operational efficiency, occupancy, voucher utilization, and compliance.
- Supported financial stewardship aligned with organizational growth objectives.
- Generated $2.5m (2024) and $2.1m (2025) through cash-flow waterfall management, supporting organizational growth and expansion of affordable housing.
- Maintained fiscal discipline aligned with long-term investment strategies.
- Led grant writing and funding applications, securing millions in competitive awards for new housing development and rehabilitation.
- Delivered clean federal and state audits through strong financial management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
- Drafted and updated major agency policies.
Director of Housing Programs
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
Bellingham, WA
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed complex federally and state-funded programs, ensuring high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency across multiple program areas.
- Led competitive grant writing and funding acquisition for major federal and state programs, securing critical operational resources and ensuring effective administration.
- Implemented performance metrics and process improvements, resulting in increased utilization and compliance across high-volume service programs.
- Managed eligibility systems, appeals, accommodations, and compliance processes, enhancing program integrity and improving customer service outcomes.
Director of Asset Management
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
Bellingham, WA
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Directed federal and state compliance activities, including inspections, reporting, and audit submissions, enhancing program integrity and boosting organizational readiness.
- Evaluated and advanced repositioning strategies such as redevelopment, refinancing, and rehabilitation planning to improve asset value, long-term sustainability, and service delivery.
- Managed long-term asset planning and performance strategies for complex real-estate portfolios, achieving strong financial and operational outcomes while ensuring compliance.
Director of Property Management
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
Bellingham, WA
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Led full-scale property and portfolio operations, achieving consistent service delivery and operational efficiency across diverse assets.
- Managed property budgets, financial performance, and cost-reasonableness evaluations to support sustainable operations and strategic decision-making.
- Directed maintenance operations and capital improvement planning, improving asset longevity and operational safety.
- Oversaw certifications, documentation, and regulatory adherence, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Leasing Specialist
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
Bellingham, WA
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Executed lease agreements, property inspections and managed landlord tenant relations, prioritizing compliance and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Maintained audit-ready resident files, ensuring regulatory compliance and accuracy in documentation and workflow processes.
- Completed applicant screening, income verification, and eligibility determinations to uphold program integrity and ensure applicant fairness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Western Washington University
Bellingham06-2004
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Compliance management
- Financial stewardship
- Cross-functional leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Operations management
- Housing development
INTERIM ROLES
- Executive Director/CEO
- Finance Director
- Development Director
- HR Manager
Certification
- Notary Public
- Certified Occupancy Specialist - National Center for Housing Management
- C3P - Spectrum Compliance
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
01.2017 - Current
Director of Housing Programs
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
01.2015 - 01.2017
Director of Asset Management
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
01.2013 - 01.2015
Director of Property Management
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
01.2007 - 01.2012
Leasing Specialist
Bellingham/Whatcom County Housing Authorities
01.2006 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Western Washington University