JoHanna Smrcina
Vice Chair
JoHanna brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, program strategy, and values‑driven service delivery.
With more than a decade of work advancing equity across housing, transportation, financial empowerment, and emergency shelter systems, she is known for building sustainable programs and strengthening organizational alignment.
She currently serves as the Director of Housing Stability Programs at Neighborhood House, where she leads cross‑departmental collaboration to advance equity, radical hospitality, and stability for families. Her work centers on designing responsive programs, supporting staff development, and ensuring services reflect the organization’s mission and community priorities.
Previously, JoHanna was the Director of Programs & Strategy at The Lift Garage, where she played a key role in scaling operations and expanding access to affordable car repair for low‑income Minnesotans. During her tenure, she led strategic growth initiatives, strengthened organizational systems, and deepened her understanding of the critical role transportation plays in family stability.
JoHanna also serves on the Heading Home Ramsey Governing Board, contributing to regional strategies that address homelessness and housing instability. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa and a Bachelor of Social Work from Wartburg College.