CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is preparing to welcome a new executive director as it gears up for "Celebrate 25," a Nov. 20 event commemorating the organization's supporters over its 25-year history.
David "Chip" Willis will take the executive director reins on Oct. 1, said Desireé Coln, marketing coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. Willis, a Tennessee native, is transitioning from his home in Florida.
"Habitat is an organization that does so much good in the community, and I am so ready to be a part of an organization that helps people," Willis said in a news release. "It is incredible to be a part of this organization as it celebrates 25 years in Bradley County, and I am looking forward to working with Habitat staff, [the board of directors], volunteers, partners and supporters."
Willis served as executive director for Lighthouse of Manasota - a nonprofit agency assisting the blind and visually impaired in the Florida counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Desota and Highland - from May 2012 to September 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Between 2006 and 2011, Willis was chief operating officer for The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art at Florida State University. He held leadership positions with golf and country clubs for 16 years before that.
"We're excited by the new hire, and we're looking forward to working with Chip," Habitat board President Jeff Morelock said in the news release.
Willis replaces Matt Carlson, who resigned at the end of March after holding the top Cleveland Habitat post for 13 years. Habitat officials have said little about Carlson's departure.
Morelock said the board has agreed not to discuss the matter in public.
Proposed homebuilding schedules and special programs commemorating the organization's 25th anniversary have continued on track throughout the year.
In August, the organization completed "Habitat Heroes 25 Day Blitz Build," which called for building an entire Habitat home in 25 days.
Skilled laborers and longtime partner groups Pyramid Construction, Ocoee Region Builders Association, Broad Street Methodist Church and First Cumberland Presbyterian served key roles in the project, Coln said.
Habit for Humanity of Cleveland also has benefited from community programs outside the organization.
FSG Bank recently presented a $2,500 check to Habitat as part of its "Pay it Forward GO Money" campaign.
As part of grand opening festivities associated with its new Keith Street branch, the bank distributed 1,000 "uniquely branded" dollar bills throughout Cleveland's business community, according to a Habitat news release. For every dollar returned to the new branch, FSG donated $5 to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
"FSG Bank has been a cherished Habitat partner for over 15 years," Willis said. "As we continue to celebrate 25 years in Bradley County, we have so much gratitude for FSG Bank and this unique campaign."
The FSG donation will go toward new home construction, Wills said.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.