Hope Haven Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hope Haven has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, governance, technology, and overall leadership.

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
  • President of Programmers Team - Mugisha Eric
  • Founder & President - Hailey Stills
  • Chief of Staff - Lisa Schwanke
  • Matthew Buley - Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Buley, the Chief Executive Officer at Hope Haven, directs the organization's strategic vision and overall operational framework. Buley guides the delivery of comprehensive disability services, ensuring alignment with the company's mission of compassionate, Christ-centered care. This leadership role involves overseeing community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support initiatives across Rock Valley, IA, and surrounding regions. Matthew Buley drives the expansion of international ministries, extending Hope Haven's reach and impact. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that all programs foster a supportive community environment, enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life. Buley's executive oversight is critical to maintaining the organization's 50-year legacy of service and its commitment to clients with diverse needs, including behavior disorders and mental illnesses.

    Duane Obbink - Chief Financial Officer

    Duane Obbink, the Chief Financial Officer at Hope Haven, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Obbink ensures the financial health and sustainability of Hope Haven's diverse service offerings, including community living, day habilitation, and employment services. This critical role involves meticulous budget management, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the company's mission of compassionate, Christ-centered care. Duane Obbink oversees financial reporting and compliance, safeguarding the organization's assets and ensuring efficient use of funds across all departments, including mental health support and international ministries. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence, directly impacting the organization's ability to serve clients with behavior disorders and mental illnesses effectively. Obbink's financial acumen supports Hope Haven's long-term growth and operational excellence.
    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. Eknes leads the board in ensuring the organization upholds its mission of compassionate, Christ-centered care for individuals with disabilities. This leadership position involves guiding strategic decision-making and ensuring fiduciary responsibility across all Hope Haven operations, including community living, day habilitation, and employment services. Kenny Eknes champions the organization's commitment to fostering independence and enhancing quality of life for clients. The President of the Board of Directors ensures that Hope Haven's programs, such as mental health support and international ministries, adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice and service delivery. Eknes's guidance is instrumental in maintaining the organization's long-standing reputation and its focus on clients with behavior disorders and mental illnesses.

    Mugisha Eric - President of Programmers Team

    Mugisha Eric, the President of Programmers Team at Hope Haven, directs the development and implementation of technological solutions supporting the organization's mission. Eric oversees the creation and maintenance of systems that enhance the delivery of comprehensive disability services, including community living, day habilitation, and employment programs. This role is crucial for leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and client support in areas like mental health services and international ministries. Mugisha Eric ensures that technological infrastructure aligns with Hope Haven's commitment to compassionate, Christ-centered care. The President of Programmers Team's leadership drives innovation, enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and quality of life through advanced digital tools. Eric's technical expertise is vital for supporting clients with diverse needs, including behavior disorders and mental illnesses.

    Hailey Stills - Founder & President

    Hailey Stills, the Founder & President at Hope Haven, established and continues to guide the organization's foundational principles and overarching vision. Stills embodies the commitment to compassionate, Christ-centered care that defines Hope Haven's comprehensive disability services. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for community living, day habilitation, employment services, and mental health support. Hailey Stills ensures that the organization consistently empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life. As Founder & President, Stills oversees the expansion of international ministries and fosters a supportive community environment for all clients, including those with behavior disorders and mental illnesses. The enduring vision of Hailey Stills remains central to Hope Haven's mission and its legacy of service.

    Lisa Schwanke - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Schwanke, the Chief of Staff at Hope Haven, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key initiatives. Schwanke facilitates the seamless execution of Hope Haven's comprehensive disability services, ensuring efficient delivery of community living, day habilitation, and employment programs. This role involves bridging communication between executive leadership and various departments, driving project management for critical organizational goals. Lisa Schwanke enhances operational effectiveness by streamlining processes and optimizing resource utilization in areas such as mental health support and international ministries. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in advancing the company's mission of compassionate, Christ-centered care, directly contributing to empowering individuals with disabilities. Schwanke's efforts support the achievement of greater independence and improved quality of life for clients, including those with behavior disorders and mental illnesses.

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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 6 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, President of Programmers Team, Founder & President.