SOME Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

SOME has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human capital, technology, and organizational development.

Committed to ending the cycle of poverty, SOME delivers comprehensive healthcare, housing, and educational services to empower vulnerable populations while driving systemic change through dedicated community advocacy and long-term support.

Leadership Roles at SOME

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Troy Swanda
  • Chief of Staff - Tracey Peranich
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Carolyn Penn
  • Chief Information Officer & Senior VP - Sam Harper
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Tracey Turner
  • Troy Swanda - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Troy Swanda, the President & Chief Executive Officer at SOME, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the mission to eradicate homelessness, the President & Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources with the urgent needs of the Washington, D.C. community. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring the long-term sustainability of housing and healthcare programs. By fostering partnerships with local government and private donors, Troy Swanda expands the reach of essential services. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every initiative directly addresses the root causes of poverty. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Swanda secures the stability required to support thousands of individuals annually. This executive leadership ensures that the nonprofit remains a pillar of support within the regional landscape, consistently delivering high-impact solutions for families in crisis.
    Troy Swanda

    Tracey Peranich - Chief of Staff

    Tracey Peranich, the Chief of Staff at SOME, coordinates cross-departmental workflows to optimize organizational efficiency. Managing the daily operations of the executive office, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between leadership teams to ensure alignment with the broader mission of poverty reduction. This role involves streamlining internal processes and managing high-priority projects that support the delivery of emergency assistance and educational services. Tracey Peranich monitors key performance indicators to track the effectiveness of various programs across the District of Columbia. By removing operational bottlenecks, the Chief of Staff enables the organization to respond rapidly to the evolving needs of the community. Peranich maintains a focus on administrative excellence, ensuring that resources reach those in need without delay. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with department heads to maintain the integrity of the nonprofit's service model while driving sustainable growth and long-term impact.

    Carolyn Penn - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Carolyn Penn, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at SOME, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies necessary to sustain the organization's mission. Overseeing the recruitment of specialized healthcare and social work professionals, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the staff possesses the expertise required to address complex poverty-related challenges. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that empower employees to provide high-quality care to vulnerable populations. Carolyn Penn manages organizational culture and employee engagement initiatives to maintain high retention rates within the demanding nonprofit sector. By aligning human capital strategies with the operational goals of the organization, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the delivery of consistent, compassionate services. Penn drives initiatives that promote professional growth, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to handle the evolving demands of the regional social services landscape.

    Sam Harper - Chief Information Officer & Senior VP

    Sam Harper, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP at SOME, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure required to support large-scale social service delivery. Overseeing the implementation of secure data management systems, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP ensures that client information remains protected while enabling efficient tracking of service outcomes. This role involves modernizing the technical stack to improve the accessibility of healthcare and housing records for staff members. Sam Harper manages cybersecurity protocols to safeguard the integrity of the organization's digital assets against emerging threats. By leveraging data analytics, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP provides actionable insights that help leadership optimize resource allocation across various programs. Harper maintains a focus on technological scalability, ensuring that the nonprofit's digital capabilities keep pace with the growing demand for services throughout the region. This leadership role remains critical to maintaining operational transparency and accountability.
    Sam Harper

    Tracey Turner - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tracey Turner, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at SOME, manages the strategic development of internal policies and organizational compliance. Overseeing the administration of benefits and compensation structures, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent dedicated to the mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness. This role involves fostering an inclusive workplace environment that supports the diverse needs of the staff. Tracey Turner implements performance management systems that align individual contributions with the broader objectives of the nonprofit. By focusing on labor relations and organizational health, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer mitigates operational risks and promotes a culture of accountability. Turner drives initiatives that enhance staff well-being, ensuring that the team remains resilient while providing essential support to families in need across the metropolitan area. This leadership role directly impacts the overall effectiveness of the organization's service delivery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SOME Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SOME?
    SOME is led by Troy Swanda (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tracey Peranich (Chief of Staff) and Carolyn Penn (Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of SOME’s executive team?
    The executive team of SOME includes leaders such as Troy Swanda (President & Chief Executive Officer), Tracey Peranich (Chief of Staff), Carolyn Penn (Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SOME have?
    SOME has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SOME’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SOME includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer & Senior VP, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.