Leadership Team
KCHA's strategic direction comes from its Board of Commissioners and its eight-member Leadership Team.
Robin Walls, President/CEO
Robin joined KCHA in 2022. Robin has extensive experience in the affordable housing field and possesses deep knowledge of HUD programs. She came to KCHA from the Houston Housing Authority where she served, most recently, as Vice President of Housing Choice Voucher Programs. In that role, she also oversaw the organization’s grant-funded rental assistance programs for tenants. Prior to that, Robin served as the interim Housing Choice Voucher Program Director for the New Orleans Housing Authority and held supervisory roles at the Chicago Housing Authority’s HCV program. Robin has also provided consulting and technical assistance to numerous housing authorities around the country. Robin participates in several professional organizations including the National Leased Housing Association, where she serves on the board, and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, where she serves on multiple standing committees. Robin hails from Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
Anneliese Gryta, Executive Vice President of Housing Operations/Chief Operations Officer
Ms. Gryta joined KCHA in 2021. In this role, she oversees the organization’s federal programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program and public housing. She came to KCHA from Lucas Metropolitan Housing, in Toledo, OH, where she served as the Chief of Staff and Chief Policy and Program Officer. Prior to joining the field, Anneliese served as the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Grantmaking for the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. She started her career in service to low-income families as a legal aid attorney. She holds a J.D. degree from the C. Blake McDowell School of Law at the University of Akron, a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College at the State University of New York, and a Certificate in Executive Education from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
Saeed Hajarizadeh, Executive Vice President of Administration/Chief Administrative Officer
Saeed Hajarizadeh joined KCHA in 2022. His affordable housing career spans over 20 years of providing management and financial services to housing authorities in Oregon and Washington. Saeed believes that a secure and safe place to call home is a fundamental human right. He is active in the affordable housing industry and strives to bring best practices to King County. He serves on several nonprofit boards in housing and other social service areas. Saeed earned his MBA from California State University, San Bernardino. He enjoys being with family and watching and playing soccer.
Tonya Harlan, Executive Vice President of Human Resources/Chief People Officer
Ms. Harlan joined KCHA in 2015. With more than 27 years of professional human resources experience, Ms. Harlan serves as a strategic business partner and oversees the Human Resources Office; she is responsible for KCHA’s recruitment, retention, labor relations, benefits, professional development, and training. Along with a strong business acumen, her comprehensive background in HR management, policy interpretation, and inclusive communication practices has resulted in strong and trusting relationships with her internal and external customers. Tonya is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Society for Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Prior to joining the Authority, Ms. Harlan was the Regional Associate Director of Human Resources-West Division for HMSHost – North America.
Steven Hellyer, Chief Technology Officer
Steven Hellyer joined KCHA in 2024, and leads the organization’s technological strategy and innovation. With a strong focus on leveraging technology to improve housing services, he is a strategic business partner for implementing advanced IT solutions that enhance operational efficiency and resident satisfaction. Before joining KCHA, Steven served as the IT Director for the City of Everett. In this role, he oversaw the city’s IT infrastructure, ensuring the seamless operation of critical systems and services. His leadership was pivotal in modernizing the city’s technology landscape, driving initiatives that improved public service delivery and cybersecurity. Steven holds a degree in business administration and has over two decades of experience in the technology field. His expertise spans across various domains, including network management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative approach, Steven continues to be a key player in the tech community, dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence.
Kristy Johnson, Senior Vice President of Policy, Research & Social Impact Initiatives
Ms. Johnson joined KCHA in 2002. Ms. Johnson is a public housing professional with over 20 years of experience in administering, developing, implementing and evaluating a variety of public housing programs and activities. She believes housing is a human right and the solution to the homelessness crisis, hence has dedicated her life to advance opportunities in the field of affordable and supportive housing. Kristy currently oversees the Authority’s Research and Evaluation efforts, Moving to Work (MTW) program, Project-based Voucher procurement and contracting, and Social Impact Initiatives related to health, education, and homelessness. Prior to her appointment as the Senior Director for Policy, Research and Social Impact initiatives in 2021, Kristy served as the Authority’s Senior Director of Homeless Housing Initiatives where she expanded the Authority’s supportive housing portfolio and developed and implemented evidence based supportive housing programs by successfully leveraging the Authority’s MTW flexibilities. Ms. Johnson’s work is deeply rooted in partnership and cross-system coordination with local government, school districts, non-profit organizations, and other systems of care.
Tim Walter, Senior Vice President of Development & Asset Management
Mr. Walter has been with KCHA since 1992 and is responsible for acquisition, development, financing and/or management of the financial operations of approximately 9,000 units in the Workforce Housing, Homeownership, Tax Credit, HOPE VI, and Development programs of the Authority. His department is responsible for all contracted management of the Authority-owned property and the on-site staff of the homeownership programs. Tim has a bachelor’s degree in finance, magna cum laude, from Seattle Pacific University.
Anne Martens, Senior Vice President of Communications
Ms. Martens joined KCHA in 2024, filling the newly elevated communications role. With 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, and advocacy, she has served in government, politics, non-profits, and philanthropy. She spent three years at the start-up King County Regional Homelessness Authority, working to build a new agency to coordinate regional homelessness response. Prior to that, she spent seven years with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she managed communications for the Washington State team, focusing on the foundation's local COVID-19 response, improving education access and outcomes from pre-K through college, civic and community engagement, and preventing homelessness among families with children. Her previous work includes winning statewide ballot initiatives, nonprofit coalition management, communications for the Washington State Office of Financial Management under Governor Gregoire, and communications for the Oregon Secretary of State under Bill Bradbury. Born and raised in Seattle, Anne holds a law degree from Georgetown University and a BA in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley.
JJ Jordan, Vice President of Capital Construction and Weatherization
JJ joined KCHA in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from both public and private industry sectors. Prior to joining KCHA, he managed large scale public infrastructure projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, integrating a wide range of complex facility related initiatives. With a strong focus on sustainable building practices, he holds a LEED AP BD+C certification, underscoring a commitment to energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction. At KCHA, JJ leads the capital construction and weatherization efforts, applying a blend of technical expertise and sustainable design principles to improve housing quality, comfort, and efficiency for low-income residents. JJ attended the University of Washington, where he received a master’s degree in construction management.