YWCA Spokane’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Janine Wynne has been selected as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive national search.

Wynne officially joined YWCA Spokane on November 3, succeeding longtime CEO Jeanette Hauck, who will retire at the end of December after 14 years of dedicated leadership.

“Janine stood out for her extraordinary leadership experience, deep commitment to equity and justice, and her proven ability to build strong partnerships,” said Linda Hendricksen, Chair of YWCA Spokane’s Board of Directors. “She embodies the values of YWCA and will guide our organization into its next chapter of service and impact.”

Wynne joins YWCA Spokane from the U.S. Department of State, where she previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. In that role, she oversaw strategic planning, resource management, and programming addressing gender-based violence prevention, health, and shelter for refugees and other vulnerable communities worldwide. Her distinguished career supporting humanitarian and human rights work reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing safety, dignity, and opportunity for all people.

“I am deeply honored to join YWCA Spokane and build upon its powerful legacy of supporting women, children, and families,” said Wynne. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how strong communities emerge when equity, compassion, and collaboration drive change. I’m eager to listen, learn, and work alongside this incredible team and with community partners.”

Wynne holds a Master of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. She is relocating to Spokane from Arlington, Virginia, to be closer to family in the region.

YWCA Spokane’s Board of Directors designed a thoughtful two-month transition period to ensure a smooth handoff of leadership. Hauck will remain in her role through December, offering guidance and support as Wynne settles into the organization and begins community engagement.

“We are so grateful for Jeanette’s 14 years of service,” said Hendricksen. “Her steady leadership and compassionate stewardship have strengthened YWCA Spokane’s foundation. This transition is an opportunity to celebrate her impact while welcoming Janine to YWCA Spokane and our community.”

YWCA Spokane will host a retirement celebration for Hauck in December, followed by opportunities in early 2026 for the community to meet Wynne through events, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.

For more than 122 years, YWCA Spokane has been dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. With Wynne’s leadership, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission-driven work to create a safer, more equitable Spokane for everyone.

About YWCA Spokane 

Since 1903, YWCA Spokane has been a vital resource in the community, helping individuals overcome social, economic, and personal barriers to achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives. 

Today, areas of focus include supporting victims of intimate partner domestic violence, building economic empowerment, promoting early childhood education, and confronting racial and social justice issues affecting their clients and the community.

In 2024, YWCA Spokane provided life-changing services to over 14,000 individuals, children, and families. Through a continuum of care, including a 24-hour helpline, safe shelter, and legal advocacy they work to disrupt cycles of trauma while creating pathways toward healing and independence.

YWCA Spokane envisions a community where domestic violence is no longer tolerated. By working at the intersections of inequality, poverty, and domestic violence, they aim to disrupt long-standing societal patterns of trauma.

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