Chip Willis, who took office as the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland on Oct. 1., says his goal is to immerse himself within the Habitat family.
CLEVELAND, Tenn. - On Friday, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will commemorate its past and future at a 25th anniversary event at The Old Woolen Mill.
"Celebrate 25" is aimed at being a fun evening intended to introduce new people to the organization and to recognize volunteers and supporters, said Desireé Coln, marketing coordinator for Cleveland's Habitat.
The event caps off a yearlong series of 25th anniversary programming, including the organization's second annual Women Build, which put 40 teams of women on Habitat home construction sites throughout the spring, and a 25-day Blitz Build, which called for the fast-paced construction of a Habitat home this summer.
If you go
› What: Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s 25th Anniversary Celebration› When: Friday, Nov. 20, 6:30-9 p.m.› Where: Old Woolen Mill, 445 Church St. SE, Cleveland, TN 37311› Tickets: $75› Attire: FestiveFor more information, contact Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland at 423-476-6947 or visit habitatofcleveland.org.
The anniversary celebration also will be the first major event for Chip Willis, the new executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, who started on Oct. 1.
"Celebrate 25" fits in with Willis' goal of meeting volunteers and "getting out into the community and shaking hands."
Willis, a self-described "Tennessee boy" who spent decades in Florida, said his purpose right now is to listen and learn as he immerses himself in the Habitat family.
"We've got a group of dedicated, hard-working people who put a lot of their personal time and responsibilities second to Habitat, and I need to learn from them," Willis said.
Habitat for Humanity is his second leadership opportunity in the realm of nonprofit service, following his two years as executive director for Lighthouse of Manasota, an agency that assists the blind and visually impaired in Sarasota and nearby counties in Florida.
Habitat's impact on families is both amazing and appealing, Willis said.
"When you can put a family in nice house, in a safe neighborhood where the kids can play in the yard, it makes all the difference in the world," he said. "I don't believe there is any finer organization that is a life-changing opportunity for families, and to be a part of that is an honor."
Willis said his journey into the nonprofit world began after his wife, Tricia, suffered a stroke several years ago and he witnessed the remarkable work and compassion of those who helped her throughout the rehabilitation process.
It was a turning point in a long career path within the hospitality industry, he said.
"I wanted to serve in an organization that made a difference in people's lives," Wills said.
"We're excited by the new hire, and we're looking forward to working with Chip," said Habitat board President Jeff Morelock in an earlier announcement.
Willis replaces Matt Carlson, who served as executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for 13 years.
Carlson departed the organization in March, but Habitat officials have agreed to not discuss the matter in public, Morelock has said on several occasions.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.