The Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County has named Jackie Smith as its first executive director.
Smith has been with HAC since 2019 as its program director.
HAC oversees a coalition of government leaders, businesses and over 20 nonprofit organizations aimed at addressing homelessness and housing vulnerability in Waukesha County.
“I am appreciative of the board’s confidence in me, and I am even more excited to contribute to the growth of HAC and having the opportunity to lead such a great organization,” Smith said. “Together, HAC and the Waukesha community will continue and build upon new opportunities focused on improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Waukesha County.”
Smith’s appointment as executive director and the hiring of a full-time coordinated entry lead represents an evolution for the organization, which has been run primarily through volunteer services since it was established in 1986. HAC announced it has brought on Marisa Camacho to lead its coordinated entry system, which is the process of connecting those who are at risk of homelessness with housing and other services.
“As HAC is focusing on the future of homeless services and the needs of those in the community, we feel particularly fortunate to have someone with Jackie’s knowledge and extensive experience to lead key initiatives necessary to eliminate homelessness once and for all,” said HAC board president Angela Mancuso.
