The FUSION Board of Directors is pleased to announce that they have appointed David Harrison as Executive Director to oversee all operations of the organization. He had served as Interim Executive Director since September, and succeeds Robin O’Grady who filled the lead position beginning in January 2019.
“We have utmost confidence in David’s ability to manage operations and take us to new and exciting levels of service going forward,” notes Board Chair Bob Wroblewski. “He brings us solid managerial and business acumen and has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to our organization.”
David’s experience in building organizations for long-term growth ranges from small privately-held to large multinational companies, as well as public sector and non-profit organizations. He has held Vice President positions for the Washington State Lottery, Washington Energy Services, and the DuPont Better Business Bureau. At Bodine Enterprises where he managed the company’s non-profit foundation, he expanded outreach, increased participation, and created strategic partnerships resulting in a 250 percent growth in charitable giving.
FUSION Founder Peggy LaPorte echoes the accolades for David. “He has been deeply involved in every aspect of FUSION beginning as a volunteer in 2013, giving countless hours of service. His passion for the mission is evident in everything he does, whether it’s organizing an event, working with contractors, overseeing building maintenance, moving furniture, or working on our housing units.”
Joining the FUSION Board of Directors as Vice President in 2017, David was elected Chair in 2020, leading the 17-member Board in carrying out its governance functions and effectively managing FUSION’s growth by ensuring that necessary infrastructure was in place.
As a FUSION volunteer, David chaired annual Summer Art Event fundraising galas, raising record-breaking proceeds and bringing community awareness to the mission. He has repaired and maintained FUSION Transitional Housing units, and as project manager for the new Boutique store site he steered remodeling to completion. In 2017 David was recognized as a FUSION Volunteer of the Year.
Serving as designated Project Manager for renovating the Federal Way Econo Lodge to develop the FUSION Family Center, David brought this emergency shelter to operational status housing its first families in December 2020.
David says that it has been a rewarding experience being involved with FUSION over the past eight years. “I am grateful for the dedicated volunteers and supporters who make our mission possible and who give so much to help the families we serve. I am excited for the future of FUSION and what lies ahead.”
About FUSION
Founded in 1993, FUSION is a professionally staffed and volunteer supported organization with a mission to provide housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness in the community so they will have a safe, secure environment as they work toward self-sufficiency.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FUSION owns and operates 20 transitional housing units in South King County and Northeast Tacoma, and The Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center in Federal Way, a 90-bed emergency shelter for families with minor children in their care. The organization also owns the FUSION Décor Boutique and Poverty Bay Café. These businesses provide funding for FUSION programs, create community awareness of the mission, and engage new volunteers. Website: fusionfederalway.org
