Posted June 23, 2022
New CEO Announced for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
Exiting CEO to be celebrated during annual conference
Lansing, Mich. – Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) announced today that John Williams has been selected as their incoming President and CEO, succeeding Sandra Pearson who has led the organization since 2010. The Board of Directors for the organization launched a CEO search in February after Pearson announced her plans for departure. Habitat Michigan hired Koya Partners to assist with the recruitment and interview process for new candidates.
Williams most recently served as Interim Executive Director with Summit Education Initiative prior to joining Habitat Michigan. His corporate career includes Deputy Executive Director Chief Operating Officer with Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, a non-profit housing corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Nissan North America, where he served as the Infiniti Division’s only Black Dealer Operations Manager (DOM). He is a recognized local, regional, and national collaborative community leader sharing expertise in justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; community and economic development; organizational development and transformation; fiscal management, strategic planning, and plan implementation; parliamentary procedure and protocol; creating organization governance documents; and Christian leadership, education, and church structures.
“It is my personal and professional privilege to serve the people of Michigan in this capacity. To be able to incorporate my Christian values and beliefs with my passion and expertise in affordable housing while positively transforming lives is truly an honor,” said John Williams.
“On behalf of the team at Habitat Michigan, I am thrilled to welcome John to Habitat Michigan and I look forward to watching the growth and impact of the organization under his leadership,” Pearson stated. “I have cherished my time with Habitat for Humanity and could not be happier with the efforts of our Board, staff, and selection committee in appointing John as my successor. It is a gift to be able to transition a strong, impactful organization to our next leader.”
Daniel Page-Wood, Board Chair for HFHM, helped lead the interview and selection process. “Sandy has brought so much innovation and change to the organization in order to serve more Michiganders and help them achieve their dreams of homeownership,” Page-Wood stated. “John brings a great deal of valuable experience and knowledge with him as he joins our team, and I know he will continue the work Sandy started in ensuring that anyone can have access to safe, decent, affordable housing.”
Williams will officially take over leadership of the organization on July 1, 2022.
There will be a celebration honoring Pearson’s 14-year tenure during Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s annual Affiliates in Motion Conference in October.
###
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.