RCS Hires New Executive Director

Refugee Connections Spokane announced Kathryn Garras has been named executive director of the nonprofit devoted to supporting and empowering refugee and immigrant communities in the Spokane region, effective July 6th.
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Garras joins the organization with a background in local and state advocacy work, leadership and administrative expertise and a history of working with refugees and for refugee and immigrant-centered organizations.
 
Amina Fields, chairwoman of RCS, said, “Kathryn has demonstrated compassion and dedication to the refugee and immigrant community. I am looking forward to working with her to help the community and expand its programs.”

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Refugee Connections Spokane," Garras said. “I am excited to build on the incredible programs in place and to work with our community to expand our capacity to serve more people. With the strong vision of the board, I am confident that we can continue to strengthen and grow.”

Garras joins the organization from her role as a project manager at a network of local nonprofits, including Washington Childcare Centers Association. She holds a degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations from Western Washington University.

In her role, Garras will work closely with the board and staff to maintain and grow existing programs offered by RCS, including Refugee Kids Connect and the Refugee Elder Outreach Program. One of her first actions as the executive director will be to rebuild momentum in programs that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.