About Us

Our Staff

	Julie Spezia Executive Director Julie Spezia is the Executive Director of Housing California, the leading statewide non-profit advocating for a safe and decent place to live for every Californian. In her role she is leading efforts to address HCA's top three priorities: leading the campaign for funding for the statewide Housing Trust Fund, creating a program to address homelessness policy, and coordinating land use reform efforts to increase the supply of affordable homes in communities throughout California. She most recently served on the Executive Committee for the successful $2.85 billion statewide bond for funding affordable homes. Prior to joining Housing California in June 2004, Julie was the Executive Director of the California Futures Network, where she led efforts to promote statewide smart growth policies. Julie is the mother of two terrific children, Tevis and Sarah. She recently led a Youth Build for Habitat for Humanity in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California, a Masters in political science from the University of California at Davis. She is also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Fellowship program (Class XXVI).
	Julie Snyder Policy Director Julie Snyder has served as Policy Director for Housing California since 2000. As director, Julie designs and implements Housing California's legislative strategy and response for its 1,000 members across California. This includes building and maintaining strong alliances with developers (market-rate and non-profit), environmentalists, land-use reformers, local governments and labor unions. In 2002, she helped win the Proposition 46 campaign as an Executive Committee member and Treasurer, in which 58% of voters approved a $2.1 billion bond to build places to live for people of low and moderate incomes. From 1993 - 2000, Julier held a variety of positions in California's Assembly including assembly fellow for Assembly member Richard Katz; legislative director for former Assemblymember Hannah Beth Jackson; and consultant to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee under former Assemblymember Tom Torlakson. Julie received her Bachelor's degree in American Studies from Occidental College in Los Angeles. She grew up in Ventura County, California.
	Zack Olmstead Homeless Policy Director As the Homeless Policy Director, Zack Olmstead advocates for policy reform to prevent and end homelessness and coordinates the efforts of homeless advocacy partners throughout the state. Efforts include tracking and lobbying legislation relating to homeless policy, the development of policy positions advocating for state leadership plans and initiatives to end homelessness, and building support among homeless advocates for legislative and funding priorities. Prior to joining Housing California, Zack worked directly with homeless individuals and families in transitional and permanent housing settings as a case manager at St. Vincent De Paul Village in San Diego, CA. Due to a desire to work for systematic change within homeless policy, Zack then obtained his Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. While in graduate school Zack worked as a graduate assistant for the California Student Aid Commission and for the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy. Zack studied as an undergraduate at the University of San Diego where he received a Bachelor's in Spanish and a Bachelor's in Theology and Religious Studies. He grew up in Sacramento, California. Zack's favorite hobbies include traveling with his wife, playing golf, and reading.
	Karen Naungayan Communications Director Karen Naungayan joined Housing California as Communications Director in 2006 and is responsible for all Housing California communications and media relations. Prior to joining Housing California, Karen worked as a marketing programs manager at Global Inventures, where she created and oversaw marketing and communications programs for three non-profit, international high-tech consortia. Before joining Global Inventures, Karen was the managing editor of the B2B arm of Barnes & Noble.com. Karen is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento and holds a degree in English. She is also active in the community as a volunteer, working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth, mentor for Women's Empowerment (assisting homeless women return to work and regain homes for themselves and their children), and Sacramento Habitat for Humanity. Karen is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (California Capital Chapter) and the Sacramento Public Relations Association.
	Nathan Cataline Research Manager Nathan Cataline joined Housing California as the Research Manager in November 2009.Prior to joining Housing California, Nathan worked with the Sacramento County Planning Department, the Detroit Vacant Properties Campaign, and served as an AmeriCorps Member at Creekside Community Development Corporation in Detroit, Michigan. Nathan received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in American Studies and his Masters of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a concentration in Housing, Economic, and Community Development.
	Lynda Chandler Executive Assistant