Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Marta Asfaw

Seattle,WA

Summary

Strategic housing and human services professional with 10+ years of experience in affordable housing, homelessness services, youth development, and community programs. Experienced in advising executive leadership, managing complex projects, and navigating cross-sector partnerships in large organizations and government systems. Skilled in integrating equity and social justice into programs and policies, overseeing contracts and procurement, and facilitating collaborative decision-making. Proven ability to track and report outcomes, lead multi-site initiatives, and advance organizational priorities that strengthen community impact.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Field Operations Coordinator

King County Regional Homelessness Authority
07.2023 - Current
  • Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance with state and organizational policies, and facilitating the timely execution of agreements across multiple programs.
  • Lead site relocations, coordinating logistics and stakeholder communications to ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruption to services.
  • Manage the State Encampment Resolution Program, supervising operations, coordinating with local government and agencies, and implementing strategies to address homelessness effectively.
  • Serve as project lead on complex initiatives, developing timelines, tracking deliverables, and reporting progress to leadership.
  • Advise program leadership on operational, programmatic, and policy issues, providing strategic recommendations to optimize service delivery and resource allocation.
  • Facilitate collaboration among cross-functional teams, community partners, and government agencies to advance program goals and support equity-focused outcomes.
  • Draft briefings and communications for senior leadership, ensuring clarity, political sensitivity, and alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Develop systems and processes for tracking projects, contracts, and program outcomes to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Program Specialist

King County Regional Homelessness Authority
09.2022 - 07.2023
  • Monitored contracts and ensured compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements, guiding program staff and leadership.
  • Maintained daily communication and collaboration with local government entities, fostering strong cross-sector partnerships and supporting coordinated service delivery.
  • Facilitated provider meetings, including agenda development, note-taking, and follow-up to ensure actionable outcomes and alignment with program goals.
  • Supported policy and program development by gathering data, analyzing trends, and making recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
  • Applied equity and social justice principles in all programmatic work, promoting inclusive practices and culturally responsive approaches.
  • Tracked program performance metrics, reporting outcomes to leadership and identifying areas for improvement or strategic adjustment.

Director of Youth Services

Mary's Place
06.2017 - 09.2022
  • Led organizational initiatives to advance racial equity and social justice, creating inclusive and affirming environments for youth and families from historically marginalized communities.
  • Advised leadership on programmatic and policy decisions, providing strategic recommendations to improve outcomes and operational effectiveness.
  • Managed administrative and operational functions, including budgeting, record-keeping, and grant reporting, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational and funding requirements.
  • Built and maintained cross-sector partnerships with schools, community organizations, families, and volunteers to support coordinated service delivery and program expansion.
  • Designed, implemented, and evaluated programs to address the needs of families experiencing homelessness, using data-driven insights to inform improvements and strategic priorities.
  • Supervised and developed staff across multiple sites, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development, ensuring high-quality program implementation.
  • Facilitated team and stakeholder meetings, fostering collaborative decision-making, clear communication, and alignment on program goals.
  • Coordinated referrals and advocacy efforts, connecting families with community resources and addressing barriers to equitable access.
  • Researched and applied best practices in youth development, collaborating with external agencies to standardize quality programming and ensure consistent outcomes.

Youth Specialist

Boys & Girls Club of King County
06.2010 - 03.2017
  • Developed and facilitated recreational and educational programs, fostering safe and engaging group environments for youth.
  • Applied crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and ensure youth safety.
  • Provided transitional support to youth in education, life skills, and career development, promoting long-term success.
  • Designed individual and group programs to encourage prosocial behaviors and reinforce positive decision-making.
  • Modeled strengths-based problem solving, goal setting, and study skills to guide youth development and achievement.
  • Leveraged youth development principles to motivate, support, and empower diverse participants.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Shoreline Community College
Seattle, WA

Skills

  • Project & Program Management
  • Contract & Procurement Oversight
  • Policy Analysis & Strategic Advising
  • Equity & Social Justice Integration
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
  • Leadership & Staff Development
  • Effective communication and reporting
  • Youth & Community Services
  • Cross-Sector Partnership Building
  • Crisis management

Timeline

Senior Field Operations Coordinator

King County Regional Homelessness Authority
07.2023 - Current

Program Specialist

King County Regional Homelessness Authority
09.2022 - 07.2023

Director of Youth Services

Mary's Place
06.2017 - 09.2022

Youth Specialist

Boys & Girls Club of King County
06.2010 - 03.2017

Associate of Science - Nursing

Shoreline Community College