Leadership and Staff
Andrea Caupain Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer
For more than two decades, Andrea has worked to promote economic mobility and racial equity for people across Washington state. As Byrd Barr Place’s CEO since 2008, Andrea leads the organization in its efforts to build an equitable Washington through innovative programs and services that nurture people’s health and well-being. She’s also instrumental in designing initiatives that focus attention on the adverse impacts of racism and advocating for policy and systemic change.
Inspired by the uprising for racial justice in 2020, Andrea, together with three other Black women leaders, launched the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s first all Black-led philanthropy to ignite Black generational prosperity, health, and well-being throughout the state. Near the same time, she also joined with three other women of color to create the BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition of Washington State, bringing together nonprofit leaders of color to promote unity, reparation, and restoration for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Andrea serves as a commissioner of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs; on the boards of Craft3, Crescent Collaborative, and Africatown Community Land Trust; and as a steering committee member of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance. She earned an MPA and a BA from Evergreen State College.
Duane Landon, Chief Financial Officer
Duane works closely with the CEO and program managers to ensure the fiscal health of Byrd Barr Place. He is responsible for financial planning, supervising the accounting team, managing fiscal sponsorship arrangements and overseeing technology. As a member of the management team, he also contributes to strategic planning and organizational development. Prior to Byrd Barr Place, he was the director of finance and program manager at 501 Commons, where he oversaw internal finances and managed a financial service program for 100 nonprofit clients. Duane holds an active CPA license and has an MBA and MPA from City University in Seattle and a bachelor’s in psychology and business from the University of Oregon.
He currently serves as treasurer of FIUTS, a local nonprofit advancing international understanding through cross-cultural experiences, student leadership and community connections. Outside of work, Duane enjoys talking with his “kids,” who are all grown up and out in the world working or going to school. As a laid-back activity, he likes to do 100% games (Ask him what that means). And when weather and time permits, you can find Duane backpacking in the Cascades.
Tafari Maynard, Director of Operations
As Byrd Barr Place’s director of operations, Tafari drives the organization’s hospitality and customer service standards, while actively leading programs and staff. He’s experienced in management and problem-solving, having served as a project coordinator at Slalom Consulting, an election associate at Election Trust, a site manager for Creative Concrete Designs, and an energy specialist with Rising Sun Energy Center, as well as working in the service industry.
Tafari has always had a deep passion for serving his community. Prior to Byrd Barr Place, he engaged grassroots organizations and individuals to raise thousands of dollars for mutual aid in Seattle. In recognition of his commitment to go above and beyond to empower our houseless neighbors using a trauma-informed approach, Real Change honored Tafari with the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award. He is currently pursuing an applied behavioral science degree at Seattle Central Community College. In his free time, Tafari loves to cook, play chess, and spend time in nature.
