Hope Haven Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hope Haven has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, board governance, and program development.

Driven by compassionate, Christ-centered care, Hope Haven empowers individuals with disabilities through comprehensive services, fostering independence and enhancing quality of life across Iowa and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Hope Haven

  • Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Buley
  • Chief Financial Officer - Duane Obbink
  • President of the Board of Directors - Kenny Eknes
  • Founder & President - Hailey Stills
  • Founder & President - Abdul Lateef
  • President of Programmers Team - Mugisha Eric
  • Chief of Staff - Lisa Schwanke
  • Matthew Buley - Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Buley, the Chief Executive Officer at Hope Haven, directs the organization's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Buley guides the delivery of comprehensive disability services, ensuring alignment with the company's mission of compassionate, Christ-centered care. Overseeing community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support, Buley ensures these programs effectively empower individuals with disabilities. This leadership role involves fostering a supportive community environment and driving initiatives that enhance client independence and quality of life. Matthew Buley's strategic direction is crucial for expanding Hope Haven's reach and impact in Rock Valley, IA, and surrounding areas, building upon the organization's 50 years of experience. The Chief Executive Officer ensures all departments operate cohesively to serve clients with diverse needs, including those with behavior disorders and mental illnesses.
    Matthew Buley

    Duane Obbink - Chief Financial Officer

    Duane Obbink, the Chief Financial Officer at Hope Haven, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Obbink oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the sustainability of Hope Haven's comprehensive disability services. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the financial integrity required to support community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support programs. Duane Obbink's expertise ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to maximize the impact of the organization's compassionate, Christ-centered care model. The Chief Financial Officer's guidance supports the mission to empower individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and quality of life. Obbink's stewardship of finances underpins Hope Haven's ability to serve clients with diverse needs across Iowa.
    Duane Obbink

    Kenny Eknes - President of the Board of Directors

    Kenny Eknes, the President of the Board of Directors at Hope Haven, provides high-level governance and strategic oversight for the organization. Eknes leads the board in setting the long-term direction and ensuring fiduciary responsibility for Hope Haven's mission. This role involves guiding the organization's commitment to compassionate, Christ-centered care and its comprehensive disability services. Kenny Eknes ensures that the board's decisions support the empowerment of individuals with disabilities, fostering their independence and enhancing their quality of life. The President of the Board of Directors champions the organization's values and strategic objectives, overseeing operations that include community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support. Eknes's leadership ensures Hope Haven maintains its focus on serving clients with diverse needs effectively.

    Hailey Stills - Founder & President

    Hailey Stills, the Founder & President at Hope Haven, established the organization's foundational principles of compassionate, Christ-centered care. Stills continues to champion the mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through comprehensive services. This leadership position involves guiding the strategic vision for community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support. Hailey Stills's enduring commitment ensures that Hope Haven remains dedicated to fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for all clients. As Founder & President, Stills plays a key role in maintaining the organization's core values and its extensive history of service in Rock Valley, IA, and surrounding areas. The focus remains on meeting diverse client needs and promoting a supportive community environment.

    Abdul Lateef - Founder & President

    Abdul Lateef, the Founder & President at Hope Haven, co-established the organization with a vision for comprehensive disability services. Lateef actively guides the strategic direction, emphasizing compassionate, Christ-centered care in all program areas. This role involves overseeing initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities, including community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support. Abdul Lateef's leadership ensures the continued focus on enhancing client independence and quality of life. As Founder & President, Lateef contributes to maintaining Hope Haven's legacy and its commitment to serving diverse client needs. The organization's mission to foster a supportive community environment is central to the ongoing efforts directed by Lateef.
    Abdul Lateef

    Mugisha Eric - President of Programmers Team

    Mugisha Eric, the President of Programmers Team at Hope Haven, leads the development and implementation of technological solutions supporting the organization's mission. Eric directs the team responsible for creating and maintaining systems that enhance the delivery of disability services, including community living, day habilitation, and employment services. This role is critical for leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and client support. Mugisha Eric ensures that programming aligns with the organization's commitment to compassionate, Christ-centered care and empowers individuals with disabilities. The President of Programmers Team's efforts contribute to fostering greater independence and an improved quality of life for clients by optimizing service delivery through innovative technological approaches.

    Lisa Schwanke - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Schwanke, the Chief of Staff at Hope Haven, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Schwanke supports the Chief Executive Officer by managing key projects and ensuring seamless communication between departments. This role involves coordinating efforts in community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support, directly contributing to the empowerment of individuals with disabilities. Lisa Schwanke's responsibilities include streamlining internal processes and enhancing the delivery of compassionate, Christ-centered care. By optimizing workflows, Schwanke ensures that Hope Haven effectively meets the diverse needs of its clients, fostering greater independence and an improved quality of life. The Chief of Staff plays a vital part in maintaining the organization's focus on its core mission and its extensive history of service.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hope Haven Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hope Haven?
    Hope Haven is led by Matthew Buley (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Duane Obbink (Chief Financial Officer) and Kenny Eknes (President of the Board of Directors).
    Who is part of Hope Haven’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hope Haven includes leaders such as Matthew Buley (Chief Executive Officer), Duane Obbink (Chief Financial Officer), Kenny Eknes (President of the Board of Directors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hope Haven have?
    Hope Haven has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hope Haven’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hope Haven includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President of the Board of Directors, Founder & President, Founder & President.