SEATTLE–Today,Community Roots Housing (Community Roots) announces the appointment of Colleen Echohawk as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective as of October 6, 2025, following the retirement of longtime CEO Christopher Persons.

Echohawk brings over 20 years of experience as an executive leader, small business owner, and community organizer to the role. This includes serving as Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club, where she led the effort to create nearly $100 million in new affordable housing in Seattle, and CEO of Eighth Generation, a Native-designed art and lifestyle brand. She is an active member of the board of trustees for both Seattle Foundation and Seattle Colleges. An established champion of Seattle’s Native and under-resourced populations, Echohawk is an enrolled member of

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