SOME Executive and Leadership Team

Troy Swanda, the President & Chief Executive Officer at SOME, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the integration of housing, healthcare, and educational programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all initiatives align with the mission to break the cycle of homelessness. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships and securing the resources necessary for sustainable growth across the District of Columbia. By coordinating with the Board and executive leadership, Troy Swanda maintains operational focus on long-term poverty reduction. The President & Chief Executive Officer evaluates program efficacy to ensure that every service provided meets the immediate needs of vulnerable populations while simultaneously addressing systemic barriers. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Swanda drives the expansion of critical support services, ensuring that the nonprofit remains a pillar of stability for families and individuals navigating complex socioeconomic challenges.

Tracey Peranich, the Chief of Staff at SOME, manages the daily operational flow and internal communications for the executive office. Coordinating cross-departmental projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational priorities remain synchronized with the broader mission of poverty alleviation. This role involves facilitating decision-making processes and streamlining administrative workflows to enhance efficiency across all service sectors. By acting as a primary liaison between the executive team and various departments, Tracey Peranich fosters a culture of accountability and transparency. The Chief of Staff monitors the execution of strategic goals, providing the necessary support to ensure that housing and healthcare programs operate without interruption. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Peranich optimizes internal processes, allowing the organization to focus on delivering high-impact assistance to the community. The Chief of Staff maintains a clear line of sight on operational metrics, ensuring that every internal function supports the overarching goal of empowering families.

Samuel Harper, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP at SOME, architects the digital infrastructure required to support complex social service delivery. Overseeing the implementation of secure data management systems, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP ensures that client information remains protected while facilitating seamless access to essential resources. This leadership role involves modernizing technological platforms to improve the tracking of program outcomes and service efficiency. By integrating advanced analytics into daily operations, Samuel Harper enables the organization to identify trends in homelessness and poverty, allowing for more targeted interventions. The Chief Information Officer & Senior VP collaborates with other executives to align digital strategy with the long-term mission of the nonprofit. Through the deployment of robust IT solutions, Harper enhances the ability of staff to provide timely assistance, ensuring that technological advancements directly contribute to the success of housing and healthcare initiatives across the region.

Carolyn Penn, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at SOME, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for maintaining high-quality service delivery. Overseeing the recruitment, training, and retention of staff, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a dedicated team capable of addressing the multifaceted needs of clients. This role involves cultivating an inclusive workplace culture that reflects the values of compassion and advocacy. By implementing comprehensive professional development programs, Carolyn Penn empowers employees to excel in their roles, directly impacting the quality of care provided to families and individuals. The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with leadership to align human capital strategies with the broader organizational mission. Through effective management of personnel policies and employee engagement initiatives, Penn secures the stability of the workforce, ensuring that the nonprofit remains equipped to tackle the root causes of poverty.

Mary Bader, the Honorary Member at SOME, provides historical perspective and strategic guidance to the current leadership team. Serving as a bridge between the foundational values of the organization and modern operational requirements, the Honorary Member ensures that the core mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness remains central to all new initiatives. This role involves advising on community engagement strategies and maintaining relationships with long-term stakeholders who support the nonprofit. By offering insights into the evolution of social services, Mary Bader helps the executive team navigate complex challenges while preserving the integrity of the original vision. The Honorary Member participates in high-level discussions regarding the future direction of the organization, ensuring that growth remains consistent with the established commitment to advocacy. Through this advisory capacity, Bader supports the continuity of the mission, providing a steadying influence that allows the organization to adapt to changing market conditions while remaining focused on the needs of the community.