At Metropolitan Development Council, our work has always been rooted in one belief: when individuals and families are supported with dignity, access, and opportunity, entire communities grow stronger.
This year, we step confidently into our next chapter.
We are pleased to welcome John Hurley as MDC’s new Chief Executive Officer, a leader whose experience, values, and vision align deeply with our commitment to Pierce County.
For more than six decades, MDC has walked alongside our neighbors through housing instability, behavioral health challenges, withdrawal management, education and employment barriers, and moments of profound transition. As a nonprofit Community Action Agency established in 1964, we remain dedicated to reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency through integrated, whole-person care.
This moment is not simply about leadership change, it is about building on momentum and looking ahead with intention.
Building on Strength, Expanding Impact
John brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in community action, nonprofit operations, and public-sector governance. Most recently serving as Director of Operations and Interim Housing Director at Kitsap Community Resources, he has led complex organizations through growth and change, strengthening systems, guiding teams, and ensuring operational excellence.
But more importantly, John understands that sustainable impact happens through partnership, innovation, and trust.
“I am honored to join MDC and to build upon the extraordinary work already underway,” said John Hurley, incoming Chief Executive Officer of MDC. “MDC’s commitment to whole-person care, strong partnerships, and expanding opportunity aligns deeply with my own values. I look forward to working alongside staff, partners, and the community to strengthen our impact across Pierce County.”
That spirit of collaboration and forward motion is exactly what this moment calls for.
Housing stability, behavioral health access, withdrawal management services, education, and employment support are more critical than ever. The need across Tacoma and Pierce County continues to evolve, and as it does, so must we. Under John’s leadership, MDC is positioned to strengthen community partnerships, expand equitable access to services, advance housing and behavioral health initiatives, and ensure long-term sustainability so that our impact is not only immediate, but enduring.
Honoring the Foundation
As we look ahead, we also pause in gratitude.
Over the past two and a half years, Scott Schubert’s leadership helped expand MDC’s reach and deepen its impact across Pierce County. During his tenure, the organization increased the number of individuals served, doubled detox capacity in response to the opioid crisis, and advanced critical affordable housing partnerships
“Over the past several years, MDC has expanded its reach and deepened its impact across Pierce County, increasing the number of individuals served, doubling detox capacity in response to the opioid crisis, and advancing critical affordable housing partnerships,” said Scott Schubert, outgoing Chief Executive Officer of MDC. “We are grateful for that leadership and excited to welcome John, whose collaborative and mission-driven approach will build on this strong foundation and guide MDC into its next chapter.”
Our foundation is strong, and it gives us something powerful to build upon for Pierce County.
The Road Ahead
The future of MDC is not defined by a single leader, it is defined by the collective work of staff, partners, donors, volunteers, and community members who believe in pathways to stability, wellness, and hope.
With John Hurley at the helm, we move forward with clarity and optimism, expanding partnerships, enhancing service delivery, and advancing equity and opportunity throughout Pierce County.
The work continues. The commitment remains steadfast, and the future is bright.