Leadership Overview
Habitat for Humanity has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, tool repair, financial oversight, and global operations.
Committed to building safe and affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity drives community development through volunteer engagement and disaster recovery initiatives to ensure every family possesses a decent place to live.
Committed to building safe and affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity drives community development through volunteer engagement and disaster recovery initiatives to ensure every family possesses a decent place to live.
Leadership Roles at Habitat for Humanity
Ben Eskow - Chief Executive Officer
Ben Eskow, the Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, directs the overarching strategic vision for global housing initiatives. Eskow architects long-term growth plans that expand the reach of affordable home construction across diverse international markets. By aligning organizational resources with the mission of providing safe shelter, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every volunteer program maintains high standards of impact. Eskow collaborates with the Board to secure sustainable funding streams, which directly supports the expansion of home repair services for families in need. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to facilitate large-scale housing projects. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Ben Eskow maintains the integrity of the mission. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of community-based housing solutions, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the global nonprofit sector while fostering vibrant, resilient neighborhoods for vulnerable populations.
Paul Heysse - Chief Executive Officer of Tool Repair
Paul Heysse, the Chief Executive Officer of Tool Repair at Habitat for Humanity, manages the specialized infrastructure required for maintaining construction equipment. Heysse optimizes the lifecycle of essential building tools, ensuring that regional construction teams possess reliable resources for home repair services. By streamlining the maintenance and distribution of hardware, the Chief Executive Officer of Tool Repair minimizes operational downtime during critical disaster recovery efforts. Paul Heysse coordinates with logistics partners to ensure that high-quality equipment reaches project sites efficiently. This role involves implementing standardized safety protocols for tool usage across all volunteer-led construction projects. Through the systematic management of physical assets, Heysse supports the broader organizational goal of building safe homes. The Chief Executive Officer of Tool Repair directly impacts the productivity of field operations, enabling volunteers to execute complex building tasks with precision and speed while maintaining the highest standards of equipment reliability.
Natalie Griffith - President & Chief Executive Officer
Natalie Griffith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, leads the development of regional housing programs focused on veteran support and youth engagement. Griffith architects partnerships with local community organizations to scale the delivery of affordable housing solutions. By overseeing the implementation of specialized initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that diverse family needs receive targeted attention. Natalie Griffith drives the integration of sustainable building practices into all regional projects, enhancing the long-term viability of constructed homes. This leadership role involves managing stakeholder relationships to increase volunteer participation and financial contributions. Through the strategic allocation of resources, Griffith strengthens the organizational presence in key markets. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every housing project contributes to the creation of stable, thriving communities. Ultimately, Griffith secures the future of the organization by fostering deep community ties and driving impactful housing outcomes.
John Kerwood - President & Chief Executive Officer
John Kerwood, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, oversees the expansion of homeownership programs designed for low-income families. Kerwood architects innovative financing models that make home acquisition accessible to those in need. By directing the efforts of regional teams, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that construction projects meet local building codes and safety standards. John Kerwood fosters collaboration between public sector entities and private donors to maximize the impact of housing initiatives. This leadership role involves evaluating the effectiveness of current programs and adjusting strategies to address evolving market demands. Through the rigorous monitoring of project timelines, Kerwood ensures that families receive support in a timely manner. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission forward by championing the importance of stable housing as a foundation for economic mobility. Ultimately, Kerwood strengthens the organizational commitment to building inclusive communities through dedicated leadership and strategic resource management.
Leena Panchi - Chief Executive Officer & Chief & Senior Scientist
Leena Panchi, the Chief Executive Officer & Chief & Senior Scientist at Habitat for Humanity, directs the research and development of sustainable building materials. Panchi architects technical solutions that improve the energy efficiency and durability of affordable homes. By applying scientific rigor to construction methodologies, the Chief Executive Officer & Chief & Senior Scientist ensures that every project utilizes environmentally responsible practices. Leena Panchi oversees the testing of new building technologies to reduce costs and increase the speed of home assembly. This leadership role involves collaborating with engineering teams to solve complex structural challenges in diverse climates. Through the implementation of data-driven improvements, Panchi enhances the quality of housing provided to families. The Chief Executive Officer & Chief & Senior Scientist drives innovation within the organization, ensuring that construction techniques remain at the forefront of the industry. Ultimately, Panchi secures the long-term sustainability of housing projects by integrating advanced scientific principles into every build.
John Welaj - President & Chief Executive Officer
John Welaj, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity, manages the strategic direction of disaster recovery operations. Welaj architects rapid-response frameworks that allow the organization to provide immediate housing assistance following natural catastrophes. By coordinating with international relief agencies, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that resources reach affected regions with maximum efficiency. John Welaj drives the development of temporary and permanent housing solutions tailored to the specific needs of disaster-stricken areas. This leadership role involves overseeing the deployment of volunteer teams and managing complex supply chains in challenging environments. Through the effective management of recovery programs, Welaj restores stability to displaced families. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term community resilience, ensuring that rebuilt homes are better equipped to withstand future environmental threats. Ultimately, Welaj strengthens the global impact of the organization by leading critical efforts to provide shelter during times of crisis.
Terena Jones - Chief Financial Officer
Terena Jones, the Chief Financial Officer at Habitat for Humanity, directs the financial planning and fiscal health of the organization. Jones architects robust budgeting processes that support the scaling of housing construction projects. By overseeing the allocation of donor funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the mission of building affordable homes. Terena Jones manages the financial reporting systems that provide transparency to stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends to mitigate financial risks associated with large-scale building initiatives. Through the optimization of capital structures, Jones secures the necessary funding for long-term growth. The Chief Financial Officer drives the financial strategy by balancing immediate operational needs with the goal of expanding the organization's reach. Ultimately, Jones maintains the fiscal integrity of the organization, ensuring that resources remain available to support families in need of safe and decent housing.
Michael Wilson - Chief Financial Officer & Mortgage Accounts Payable Administrator
Michael Wilson, the Chief Financial Officer & Mortgage Accounts Payable Administrator at Habitat for Humanity, manages the complex financial systems related to homeownership mortgages. Wilson architects payment processing frameworks that ensure families can manage their housing costs sustainably. By overseeing the accounts payable department, the Chief Financial Officer & Mortgage Accounts Payable Administrator maintains the financial stability of the organization's mortgage portfolio. Michael Wilson directs the reconciliation of financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with housing regulations. This leadership role involves working with homeowners to provide financial guidance and support throughout the mortgage lifecycle. Through the diligent management of accounts, Wilson protects the organization's assets while enabling families to achieve long-term housing security. The Chief Financial Officer & Mortgage Accounts Payable Administrator drives the financial health of the mortgage program by implementing efficient payment systems. Ultimately, Wilson ensures that the financial aspects of homeownership remain accessible and transparent for all participants.
Lili Fuentes - Chief Operating Officer
Lili Fuentes, the Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity, manages the internal processes that drive construction efficiency. Fuentes architects operational workflows that streamline the coordination between volunteers, contractors, and project managers. By overseeing the day-to-day execution of building programs, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that construction timelines remain on track. Lili Fuentes implements quality control measures that guarantee every home meets the organization's standards for safety and affordability. This leadership role involves optimizing the supply chain for building materials to reduce waste and lower costs. Through the continuous improvement of operational systems, Fuentes enhances the productivity of regional teams. The Chief Operating Officer drives the organizational mission by ensuring that internal processes support the rapid delivery of housing solutions. Ultimately, Fuentes maintains the operational excellence required to serve families effectively, fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability across all construction-related activities.
Patrick Canagasingham - Global Chief Operating Officer
Patrick Canagasingham, the Global Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity, directs the international expansion of housing programs. Canagasingham architects operational strategies that adapt to the unique cultural and economic landscapes of diverse global regions. By overseeing the integration of local partnerships, the Global Chief Operating Officer ensures that housing initiatives remain relevant and effective in every market. Patrick Canagasingham manages the cross-border logistics required to support large-scale construction projects in developing nations. This leadership role involves aligning regional operations with the global mission to provide safe shelter for all. Through the standardization of best practices, Canagasingham improves the consistency and quality of housing delivery worldwide. The Global Chief Operating Officer drives the organization's international impact by fostering collaboration across borders. Ultimately, Canagasingham secures the success of global housing efforts by leading with a focus on operational scalability and community-centered development in every region of operation.

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