Board of Commissioners
The Housing Authority of Thurston County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners.
Board Members
Jay Goldstein – Chair (Position No. 2)
(Term - 3/5/2024 - 2/28/2029)
Commissioner Goldstein’s background includes attorney, business owner, and service on other boards. He has considerable professional real estate law experience, including law relating to real estate acquisition and development.
Joelene Gioulis - Vice Chair (Position No. 5)
(Term - 3/5/2024 - 2/28/2027)
Commissioner Gioulis is the Administrator of a multi-location Thurston County health care provider Earlier in her career she held an administrative position with the Department of Corrections. Her background in both of these areas is meaningful in overseeing programs for our clients.
Open – Commissioner (Position No. 4)
Lisa Vatske - Commissioner (Position No. 3)
(Term - 11/22/2022 - 2/28/2025)
Commissioner Vatske has extensive state government technical and management experience primarily focused on affordable housing capital subsidies. She also has held positions in the community development field, held the position of chief financial officer for a small business, and has served on several local boards. She earned a BBA Finance from the University of Massachusetts and is a long-time Thurston County resident.
Jim Cooper - Commissioner (Position No. 1)
(Term - 4/4/2023 - 4/4/2028)
Commissioner Cooper is the President and CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, Commissioner Cooper serves as a Member of the City of Olympia Council and is a US Army Veteran. Commissioner Cooper has over two decades of nonprofit, corporate, and government leadership experience working with community organizations, governments and businesses to achieve positive outcomes for people and the environment.
Brittany Ferguson - Commissioner
(Term - 5/9/2024 - 2/27/2025)
Commissioner Ferguson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University – Chico. Brittany’s work in the education field includes counselor, classroom support, and school bus driver. Even with a busy work and home life, Brittany finds time to support her extended family’s retail BBQ business. Brittany’s brings education, employment skills and insights, and lived experience, as well as passion to serve the community in her role as a member of the HATC Board of Commissioners.