Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB)

Conor Hansen is a Managing Principal at SRM, where he leads the development and preservation of affordable housing projects. With over 15 years of experience in real estate development, acquisition, and construction, he specializes in creating housing solutions that serve diverse communities. Conor is deeply committed to mission-driven projects, collaborating with public and private partners to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing. He enjoys exploring innovative approaches to housing and urban development.

Michael is a dedicated advocate for community reinvestment, working to foster economic growth, equity, and sustainability in underserved neighborhoods. He has twenty-eight years of experience in banking and is considered a subject matter expert in affordable housing and community development.

Passionate about equitable development, Michael collaborates with local stakeholders including, other financial institutions, non-profits, community stakeholders to develop initiatives and programs that address community needs.

Michael serves on the loan committee for the Field Order -15 fund, The Black Housing Initiative, and AHAB.

Meg Martin is the Director of Integrative Services for Interfaith Works in Olympia. She is a Certified Peer Counselor and a Licensed independent Clinical Social Worker. She earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington, Tacoma in 2013.

Meg overcame personal challenges with mental health and addiction to support the most vulnerable in her community. She was instrumental in the creation of the first formalized trauma informed, harm reduction based low barrier shelter in Olympia.

For the past 12 years she has led Interfaith Works through significant growth – today IW is home to an Interfaith Membership of 30+ diverse spiritual and faith communities, a 58- bed low barrier shelter with medical respite set side beds for local hospitals below 65 apartments of permanent supportive housing owned and operated in partnership with LIHI, a day center and service connection hub called Sergio’s, and a newly open 26 units of permanent supportive housing at Sandy’s Flats a converted hotel.

Vijya Patel has served on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board since 2014, driven by a deep passion for creating pathways to homeownership for individuals of all backgrounds. Her personal journey — from a small village in Gujarat, India, to growing up in diverse communities across the United States — has shaped her belief that real estate holds transformative power, providing financial, social, and emotional stability. She has witnessed firsthand how inclusive, diverse communities foster innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

As a minority woman and seasoned real estate professional, Vijya is dedicated to promoting equitable housing opportunities, fostering inclusive neighborhoods, and addressing systemic barriers to homeownership. She believes that empowering people through real estate can create vibrant, thriving communities that reflect the rich diversity of American society — ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership.

Mike is a Washington-based real estate entrepreneur and property manager with over a decade of experience providing affordable housing in Pierce County. Coming from a low-income housing background, he understands the challenges many families face in securing stable housing. With firsthand experience assisting individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, Mike brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.

Mike looks forward to contributing to creating policies that will expand housing access, keep people in their homes, and generate more investment into affordable housing units.

In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his kids, discovering new music, and reading fantasy.

Cynthia Dampier oversees operations for Integration Family Services, a nonprofit that serves low-income BIPOC families in South King County and is a Community Navigator for King County-Public Health. Cynthia also owns a bookkeeping and business consulting firm in South Seattle. In her practice, she works with small businesses and nonprofit organizations on a sliding fee scale.

Living in South King County, Cynthia is well connected to local BIPOC communities and the organizations that serve them. It is Cynthia’s goal to build partnerships within the community and advocate for resources that can help families become self-sufficient and independent.

Jason Gauthier is a leader in public policy and community development, specializing in affordable housing and government relations. He has a strong track record of bringing people together to create housing solutions, secure funding, and shape policies that expand access to safe and affordable homes. With experience in nonprofit leadership and public service, Jason is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Colin is the Vice President of Real Estate Development with Mercy Housing Northwest, a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Seattle. He found his calling creating new housing opportunities for families, seniors, and people with special needs after working in a residential program where he counseled individuals struggling with behavioral health and housing challenges. Colin is honored to join AHAB to help ensure communities across the state are as well-served and as affordable as possible.

Outside of work he spends most of his time with his family, cheering on the Mariners, coaching little league, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

Jonnie Matson is the Rental Assistance Unit Manager for DSHS-ALTSA-HCS. She has numerous years of direct service and management experience in the worlds of developing and administering housing services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have Long-Term Care needs. Her experience has created a unique frame of reference to work towards further integrating housing and service resources for people who are aged and/or have a disability in the State of Washington.

Councilmember Amy Falcone was elected to the Kirkland City Council in November of 2019, after serving as a founding member and Co-Chair of Kirkland’s Human Services Commission. A Kirkland resident since 2014, Amy lives in the Finn Hill neighborhood with her husband and three children. Amy has devoted herself to serving the community in a variety of ways, including Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance Board and President of the local PTA Board, where she earned the 2017 Golden Acorn Award.

Councilmember Falcone holds a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where she also taught undergraduate statistics. Amy spent over a decade in social science research, focused on a variety of issues, including career equity of women and 2SLGBTQIA+ military service members, military families, social science research methodology, and more. Councilmember Falcone continues to serve her community with active participation on multiple boards.

Douglas has dedicated his architectural career to advancing affordable housing and social justice. His extensive leadership roles, including work with the Housing Development Consortium, have resulted in innovative resources like a racial equity toolkit for affordable housing that has been adopted nationwide. His portfolio includes contributing to the design of over 30 affordable housing developments comprising more than 2,800 units, with multiple award-winning projects recognized for design excellence and community impact. For his outstanding contributions to the industry, Douglas received the 2024 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, a distinguished national honor presented by the AIA. This award is bestowed upon an architect that profoundly demonstrates social responsibility and actively addresses critical social issues such as affordable housing. Peers commended his impactful work, elevating him to the celebrated AIA Fellowship rank.

John Barry is the VP of Mortgage at Savibank, bringing over 30 years of experience in residential lending. His passion for affordable housing and lending has been at the core of his career, making his decision to join AHAB a natural fit. John finds his greatest satisfaction in helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership, transforming not just their housing situation but their lives. His expertise and dedication to guiding borrowers through the mortgage process have made him a trusted leader in the industry.

Daniel Lugo serves as the Director of Government Affairs at YouthCare, a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness. Daniel has previously served as the Manager of Government Relations for Treehouse for Kids, and as a legislative assistant to both Representative Mia Gregerson and Representative Frank Chopp.

Having experienced the Washington state foster care system, as well as housing insecurity upon aging out, Daniel is eager to bring his lived experience to AHAB. Daniel has extensive experience in legislative advocacy, having independently convened stakeholders to develop Lifeline, a statewide crisis prevention program implemented by the YMCA of Greater Seattle while working for Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys playing video games, collecting sneakers and Pokémon cards, and spending time with his dogs.

Dr. Preston is a 30-year housing advocate, serving most recently as CEO of Habitat Washington. As a practitioner, she believes that the work done through AHAB and CAT have been paramount to building a statewide affordable housing community. She is committed to leading this effort because it brings all housing advocates together – and we go further together.