About

Simon Windell

After growing up in Spokane, WA, Simon studied Physics at Seattle University, having the good fortune to participate in undergraduate fluid dynamics research. Through this education in physics and exposure to hands-on research, Simon learned how to think critically and solve hard problems of all sorts by establishing first principles, then working outward through experimentation.

After college, Simon began his career as a technical software and systems engineer - building cool stuff and solving hard problems at a global consulting firm. After moving to India to build his first team, Simon spent the next portion of his career in Corporate Operations - learning how to run a business, solve complex, multi-disciplinary problems, and lead large teams.

Around 2019, Simon read Evicted, which sparked an intellectual interest in housing and the recognition that housing is at the center of everything. In 2020, Simon and his wife Becca moved to the Methow Valley, where the housing crisis became more than just an intellectual concept. Simon started showing up to community meetings, and within 6 months became the COO and then the CFO of the Methow Housing Trust. He went all in on housing and hasn't looked back.

Today, Simon brings his deep curiosity alongside his depth of operational, financial, and technical experience as the CFO of the Lahaina Commuinty Land Trust & of the Methow Housing Trust, and as an advisor and consultant to Community Land Trusts, non-profits, municipalities, developers and advocacy organizations. A lot of Simon's work is focused on building operational processes, financial models, and mechanisms for permanance that inspire confidence in the community return of large capital investments in non-market housing.

Simon is also a Planning Commissioner for the Town of Winthrop, WA, the Chair of the board of the Okanogan Community Action Council, and the Treasurer of the Northwest Community Land Trust Coalition.