Blanchet House welcomes Steve Cook as Executive Director, bringing over 15 years of nonprofit leadership and expertise.
May 12, 2026 – Blanchet House has named Steve Cook as its new Executive Director following a search process that included input from staff across the organization.
Cook has served as Blanchet House’s Co-Interim Executive Director for the past five months and Director of Strategic Initiatives since 2024. He brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, including work with Transition Projects Inc. Fluent in Spanish, he has worked throughout Latin America, notably with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, supporting efforts to expand access to housing.
Cook earned his MBA in Nonprofit Management from the University of Portland in 2025. He also serves on Multnomah County’s Homelessness Response System Community Advisory Committee.
Blanchet House leadership cites Cook’s deep understanding of the organization’s mission, culture, and community as reasons he was the choice to lead the nonprofit into its next chapter.
“Steve’s thoughtful approach to building partnerships and engaging donors makes him well-suited to lead Blanchet now and into the future. He brings lived experience that will serve the role well,” said Board Chair JJ Gonzales.
Cook said he is committed to strengthening Blanchet House’s core programs by listening to and learning from the community, guests, and staff.
Steve Cook speaks at the Blanchet House Lend a Helping Hand Brunch on March 1, 2026 alongside co-interim director Emily Coleman. Photo by Christine Dong.
“It’s an absolute honor to step into this role. I’m passionate about this work because of Blanchet’s longstanding commitment to hospitality, compassion, and treating others with dignity, even when it’s not easy. I’m humbled to be able to steward our team and organization as our simple mission to alleviate suffering is needed more than ever,” said Cook.
Founded in 1952, the privately funded Blanchet House provides meals, shelter, clothing, and recovery support to people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Its programs include one of Oregon’s busiest free cafés in Old Town Portland, a residential recovery program downtown, the 62-acre Blanchet Farm recovery program in Yamhill County, and Bethanie’s Room, a women’s shelter that opened earlier this year.
As Blanchet House prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027, organizational leaders say they are optimistic about the future under Cook’s leadership.
Outside of work, Cook serves on the boards of Ground Score Association, Portland Ultimate, and Together We Can Guatemala. He is also part of the Portland Metro Chamber Leadership Cohort for 2025–2026 and a member of the Rotary Club of Portland. In his free time, he enjoys ultimate frisbee and long-distance trail running.
INTERVIEW CONTACT: Steve Cook is available for interviews. Contact Julie Showers, Communications Director, at [email protected] or 917-620-7627 to arrange interviews.
