New Lacey Veterans Services Hub coordinator outlines data, volunteer growth and operational priorities

Brian Wanninen, the City of Lacey’s newly hired Veterans Services Hub coordinator, gave the City Council an operational update on Aug. 5, describing client activity, volunteer participation and planned changes to hub procedures and safety measures.

Brian Wanninen, introduced by Michelle Chavez, the city’s human services coordinator, said the hub recorded 7,221 unique client visits when combining calendar years 2024 and 2025, and more than 10,000 total visits across those years. “So far for calendar year ’25, we’ve had 2,106 visits,” Wanninen said, noting data-tracking challenges that led staff to revise intake and reporting practices for 2024.

Wanninen reported transportation metrics for 2025: hub volunteers have completed 134 client transports totaling about 5,270 miles to VA and local appointments, an average of just over 39 miles per trip. Volunteer levels have increased: in 2024 seven volunteers provided 2,452 service hours; in 2025, 25 volunteers have provided 1,886 hours so far.

The hub also has 14 active providers on site, including a new presence from South Puget Sound Community College and a federally funded veterans vocational rehabilitation specialist, Wanninen said. He described four initiative categories for future work: volunteer and provider expansion, transition services for service members leaving active duty, increased hub outreach and strengthened outreach events.

Wanninen outlined operational priorities and next steps rather than formal policy changes. Those priorities include reviewing and implementing a space-use agreement, formalizing policies and procedures and updating the hub’s emergency action plan with rehearsals. He said he is coordinating a risk analysis with Lacey Police’s CRU (Crisis Response Unit) and MOT Team to help identify security vulnerabilities. Wanninen also said the hub plans to add defibrillator and Narcan training for staff and to modernize the appointment and sign‑in process so clients can schedule appointments online rather than relying on morning calls.

Michelle Chavez stressed the role of Thurston County partners Mark Moffett and Candace McCutcheon, who helped maintain hub operations during a transition earlier in the year. Council members commended the hub’s volunteers and staff; no formal council action was required. Council discussion focused on supporting the hub’s transition, approving additional staff training and tracking progress on policy and system updates.

Wanninen said staff will continue to formalize policies and procedures, rehearse emergency protocols and develop a 2027–2031 strategic guidance document for the hub. The hub will continue to coordinate with Thurston County Public Health and Social Services on day‑to‑day services and outreach.