NEWS: Habitat for Humanity of Michigan CEO to Step Down​​​​​​​

Photo of Sandy Pearson, a blonde woman wearing a black floral dress

Posted February 7, 2022

Application period for the new President and CEO now open

Lansing, Mich. – Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) announced today their President and CEO, Sandra Pearson, is leaving the organization after 14 years in leadership. Pearson came to Habitat Michigan in 2008 and took over the role of CEO in 2010, succeeding its founder, Rev. Dr. Ken Bensen.  

Pearson said the time felt right to take on a new challenge. “Habitat Michigan is experiencing growth in its programs and services, and whoever succeeds me will step into a strong and stable organization,” she stated. “My personal passion during my thirty years in affordable housing has been to extend opportunity and access to capital, credit, and quality housing to people who experience barriers to mainstream lending and services and that’s why I joined Habitat for Humanity and will continue to support the mission, always.”

“We are going to miss Sandy, and we wish her all the best as she looks to her future endeavors,” says Daniel Page-Wood, Board Chair for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. “She’s built a strong, healthy organization and she’s made a positive impact on affordable housing and our local affiliates throughout the state. Thank you, Sandy, for your years of dedication and service to the mission of Habitat.”

During her tenure, Pearson led Habitat Michigan in a number of new ventures, including the launch of three operations unique to Habitat for Humanity: The Michigan ReStore Distribution Center, the Habitat for Humanity Michigan Fund, and the ReBuild Michigan Campaign. She further supported the restructure of Habitat Michigan and the Fund, establishing Habitat for Humanity of Michigan as a NeighborWorks Charter organization, and establishing Habitat Michigan’s Endowment Fund, among many other accomplishments. Most recently, under her leadership, Habitat Michigan launched Fair Lending Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary that provides small dollar loan products to low income families at affordable rates. 

The Board of Directors and staff at Habitat Michigan have enacted Ms. Pearson’s succession plan and are launching a search for her replacement. Habitat Michigan has enlisted Koya Partners to conduct the CEO Search and have released a position profile, available here: https://koyapartners.com/search/habitat-for-humanity-of-michigan-ceo/. To learn more, make recommendations or express interest in this role, please email habitatmi@koyapartners.com.

 

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About Habitat for Humanity of Michigan

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is the state support organization for Michigan’s more than 40 Habitat for Humanity affiliates and ReStores which serve nearly every county in the state. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

About Koya Partners

Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Koya is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to creating an environment and team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and experiences. We encourage all to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. Koya does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.