Habitat for Humanity Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Habitat for Humanity has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial oversight, and administrative coordination.

Committed to the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity drives global housing equity through community-based construction, disaster recovery, and sustainable home repair initiatives.

Leadership Roles at Habitat for Humanity

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lana Vukelic
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Welaj
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Kerwood
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Natalie Griffith
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Homero Perez-Montes
  • Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director - Marcie Bergan
  • Executive Administrator To Chief Executive Officer - Bonnie Watson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lyn Jensen
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lili Fuentes
  • Chief of Staff - Angela Brooks
  • Lana Vukelic - Chief Executive Officer

    Lana Vukelic, the Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, directs the overarching strategic vision for global housing accessibility. Vukelic architects long-term growth plans that expand the reach of affordable home construction across diverse international markets. By aligning organizational resources with the core mission of providing safe shelter, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that community partnerships remain robust and effective. Vukelic manages high-level stakeholder relationships to secure funding and volunteer engagement necessary for large-scale disaster recovery efforts. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of housing market trends to optimize the impact of nonprofit programs. Through rigorous oversight of operational goals, Lana Vukelic maintains the integrity of the housing mission. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of service that empowers families to achieve stability through homeownership, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the global charitable sector.
    Lana Vukelic

    John Welaj - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Welaj, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, oversees the execution of regional housing development strategies. Welaj drives the expansion of home repair services, focusing specifically on North American markets to address critical infrastructure needs for vulnerable populations. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with local community partners to streamline construction workflows and improve project efficiency. By analyzing regional housing data, Welaj identifies high-need areas where volunteer efforts generate the most significant social impact. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the board to refine the organizational approach to sustainable development. John Welaj ensures that every construction project adheres to safety standards while maximizing the number of families served. Through disciplined management of regional resources, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the foundation of local communities, providing a pathway to permanent housing for those facing economic hardship.

    John Kerwood - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Kerwood, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, manages the integration of specialized housing initiatives for veterans and youth. Kerwood architects targeted outreach programs that connect community resources with specific demographic needs, ensuring that housing solutions remain inclusive and accessible. The President & Chief Executive Officer directs the implementation of innovative construction techniques that reduce costs and accelerate project timelines. By fostering relationships with corporate sponsors, Kerwood secures the necessary capital to sustain long-term housing projects. This leadership role involves balancing immediate disaster recovery requirements with the ongoing need for affordable home maintenance. John Kerwood monitors the performance of various housing programs to ensure alignment with the broader organizational mission. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer creates sustainable living environments, ultimately improving the quality of life for families across the operational footprint.

    Natalie Griffith - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Natalie Griffith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, leads the development of sustainable housing models that prioritize energy efficiency and long-term affordability. Griffith architects partnerships with urban planners to revitalize neighborhoods through comprehensive home repair and new construction projects. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the deployment of volunteer teams, ensuring that labor resources match the technical requirements of complex building sites. By championing initiatives that support women in construction, the President & Chief Executive Officer expands the diversity of the workforce and strengthens community engagement. Natalie Griffith evaluates the social return on investment for every housing project, ensuring that resources directly benefit families in need. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to facilitate land acquisition and development. Through persistent advocacy and operational excellence, Griffith secures the future of affordable housing as a cornerstone of community health.

    Homero Perez-Montes - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Homero Perez-Montes, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, directs international volunteer operations and cross-border housing support. Perez-Montes architects global logistics strategies that facilitate the movement of materials and expertise to regions requiring urgent disaster recovery assistance. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages the coordination between international affiliates to ensure consistent service delivery and adherence to global quality standards. By leveraging a vast network of global partners, the President & Chief Executive Officer scales the impact of housing programs in emerging markets. Homero Perez-Montes monitors geopolitical shifts to anticipate housing needs and adjust operational strategies accordingly. This leadership role requires deep cultural competency and the ability to manage diverse teams across multiple time zones. Through the optimization of international supply chains and volunteer deployment, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization provides reliable, life-changing support to families worldwide.

    Marcie Bergan - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

    Marcie Bergan, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity, governs the internal administrative framework that supports all housing programs. Bergan architects the organizational structure to ensure that field operations receive the necessary support from headquarters. The Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director manages the alignment of departmental goals with the overarching mission of providing decent shelter. By overseeing the implementation of new technology platforms, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director improves the efficiency of volunteer management and donor tracking systems. Marcie Bergan facilitates communication between the board and operational teams to ensure transparency and accountability in all charitable activities. This leadership role involves managing the annual budget to prioritize high-impact projects that address the most pressing housing shortages. Through meticulous planning and administrative oversight, Bergan maintains the operational stability required to serve thousands of families annually.
    Marcie Bergan

    Bonnie Watson - Executive Administrator To Chief Executive Officer

    Bonnie Watson, the Executive Administrator To Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, manages the complex scheduling and communication flow for the executive office. Watson architects the daily operational rhythm of the leadership team, ensuring that the Chief Executive Officer remains focused on high-priority strategic initiatives. The Executive Administrator To Chief Executive Officer coordinates meetings with key stakeholders, donors, and community partners to facilitate smooth decision-making processes. By maintaining detailed records of executive directives, the Executive Administrator To Chief Executive Officer ensures that organizational goals are tracked and met. Bonnie Watson serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries, filtering information to optimize the time of the executive leadership. This leadership role involves managing sensitive information and supporting the logistical needs of large-scale organizational events. Through proactive administrative support, Watson enables the executive team to drive the mission of providing affordable housing effectively.

    Lyn Jensen - Chief Financial Officer

    Lyn Jensen, the Chief Financial Officer at Habitat for Humanity, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Jensen architects the budgeting process, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently across construction, disaster recovery, and administrative departments. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the reporting of financial performance to the board and external donors, maintaining the highest standards of transparency. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and ensures the long-term sustainability of housing programs. Lyn Jensen evaluates the financial viability of new initiatives, providing the data necessary for the executive team to make informed decisions. This leadership role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and grant-making organizations to secure the capital required for growth. Through disciplined fiscal management, Jensen ensures that every dollar contributes to the mission of providing safe and affordable homes for families in need.

    Lili Fuentes - Chief Operating Officer

    Lili Fuentes, the Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity, directs the day-to-day execution of construction and home repair programs. Fuentes architects the operational protocols that govern site safety, material procurement, and volunteer training. The Chief Operating Officer monitors the progress of active building projects to ensure that timelines and quality standards are met consistently. By analyzing operational data, the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks in the construction process and implements solutions to increase output. Lili Fuentes manages the logistics of distributing building materials to various project sites, ensuring that resources are available when needed. This leadership role involves close collaboration with regional managers to standardize procedures across the entire organization. Through the rigorous application of operational best practices, Fuentes ensures that the organization maximizes the number of homes built and repaired, directly contributing to the goal of creating vibrant, stable communities.

    Angela Brooks - Chief of Staff

    Angela Brooks, the Chief of Staff at Habitat for Humanity, synchronizes the efforts of the executive leadership team to ensure cohesive strategy execution. Brooks architects the internal communication channels that keep all departments aligned with the core mission of housing equity. The Chief of Staff manages special projects that cross departmental lines, such as organization-wide initiatives for veterans or youth. By facilitating cross-functional meetings, the Chief of Staff ensures that the Chief Executive Officer and other leaders remain informed of operational challenges and successes. Angela Brooks monitors the progress of key performance indicators, providing the executive team with actionable insights to drive improvement. This leadership role involves managing the strategic agenda and ensuring that all executive decisions are implemented effectively across the organization. Through the coordination of people, processes, and priorities, Brooks enables the leadership team to focus on the most critical aspects of the housing mission.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Habitat for Humanity Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Habitat for Humanity?
    Habitat for Humanity is led by Lana Vukelic (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Welaj (President & Chief Executive Officer) and John Kerwood (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Habitat for Humanity’s executive team?
    The executive team of Habitat for Humanity includes leaders such as Lana Vukelic (Chief Executive Officer), John Welaj (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Kerwood (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Habitat for Humanity have?
    Habitat for Humanity has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Habitat for Humanity’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Habitat for Humanity includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer.