From our Board President, Christopher Towson
May 1, 2024
After 24 years of remarkable dedication and leadership, our esteemed CEO, Ed Blake, will retire at the end of June. While his departure saddens us, it is with great excitement and confidence that we announce the appointment of Carin Crowe as our new CEO, effective May 1.
Ed’s dedication, visionary leadership, and guidance have been integral to our organization's success, leaving an indelible mark on our organization and the communities we serve. From his humble beginnings as a volunteer to his impactful role as CEO, Ed's commitment to our mission has touched countless lives, including helping 88 low-income families achieve the dream of homeownership, positively impacting the lives of 321 individuals, including 203 children.
“I have been associated with Habitat for Humanity for 24 years, first as a volunteer, then a board member, and the last 13 years as the CEO. I can proudly say that the organization has given far more back to me than the hard work I put in. This is where miracles happen almost daily, this is where you have the honor of changing lives for the better, and this is the place you work alongside the best humans on the planet. I look forward to the next chapter, being able to travel and spend time with my family while my wife and I are in good health. I will always cherish my time at Habitat for Humanity, the people whose lives I was able to impact, and the amazing professionals who work there.” - Ed Blake
Under Ed's leadership, our organization has flourished, growing from a small team of seven to a thriving community of 20, expanding our reach through innovative programs like the Critical Home Repair Program (CHiRP) and establishing strategic partnerships that have secured over $8.5 million in funding. His legacy will continue to resonate through the homes we build and the lives we touch.
Read more - "A Tribute to Ed Blake"
As we bid farewell to Ed, we warmly welcome Carin Crowe as our new CEO. Carin's appointment comes after an extensive search conducted by the Pathway Group.
Since 2014, Carin has been an integral part of our team, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision as our Senior Director of Operations. Her background in social work, deep understanding of our organization, and proven track record of driving results and fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture make her the ideal candidate to guide us toward even greater heights.
“It's bittersweet to say farewell to Ed. I am grateful for his mentorship over the years, which has prepared me for my new role in leading our amazing team of professionals. Ed’s dedication, expertise, and friendship have enriched our workplace in countless ways, and his influence will be felt long after his departure.” -Carin Crowe
Read more: Welcoming Carin Crowe
As we embark on this transition, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ed for his years of service and leadership. His legacy will forever be ingrained in the fabric of our organization, and we wish him a retirement filled with relaxation, exploration, and cherished moments with his loved ones.
Please join us in bidding farewell to Ed and welcoming Carin to her new role as CEO. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to fulfill our vision that everyone has a safe place to call home.
Sincerely,
Christopher Towson
Board President