Bill Block has joined the Yesler Community Collaborative board of directors as board vice president, replacing Tom Tierney who recently retired from the board.
“This is an exciting opportunity to link and empower community groups that too often get pushed to the sidelines when major events and developments are occurring,” said Block. “The best wisdom on what communities need is in those communities themselves. I am delighted to support the voices and projects that come from the groups that make up the Yesler Community Collaborative.”
Block brings wide experience to the board. He has practiced law in Washington since 1977 and has served as board president of both AIDS Housing of Washington and Seattle Housing Authority.
In 2005, he become Director of the Committee to End Homelessness, the public/private partnership implementing the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Seattle/King County. In 2012 Bill became the HUD Regional Administrator for Region X (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington) and later a Special Consultant on Homelessness to HUD, returning to civil liberties law practice in 2017. His other civic involvements include service as a board member for DESC and the Mount Baker Housing Alliance and Chair, Seattle Center Advisory Commission.
“We are fortunate that Bill Block will step in to this board position. I am confident that he will bring valuable experience and commitment,” said Sue Taoka, YCC Board President.
Tierney, who served as executive director of Seattle Housing Authority for eight years, brought his extensive knowledge of Yesler Terrace, and housing issues in general, to the YCC board. He was one of its founding directors, serving since 2014.