Knoxville Habitat for Humanity considered over 100 candidates from across the United States to lead the nonprofit, but the choice was already in Knoxville – and leading the organization .
Anna Engelstad has been selected as the new CEO of Knoxville Habitat, the organization announced Aug. 30.
Engelstad, who has been serving as the interim CEO, “emerged as the top choice” following a nationwide search that began earlier this year, because of her “wealth of experience” and “deep commitment to affordable housing and community development,” according to a news release.
“This organization has a profound impact on our community, and I am eager to work with the dedicated team, volunteers and supporters to continue building strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership," Engelstad said in a statement.
"We are thrilled to welcome Anna Engelstad as our new CEO," Chair of the Board of Directors at Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Ty Hall added.
"Her extensive experience and passion for our mission make her the ideal leader to guide us into the future. We are confident that under her leadership, Knoxville Habitat will continue to thrive and expand its impact on families in our community," Hall continued.
Engelstad’s formal role as CEO begins Sept. 1.
Knoxville Habitat begins new chapter with Anna Engelstad
As the chief operations officer of Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, Engelstad stepped into the interim CEO role earlier this year following the retirement of Kelle Shultz, who had served as the nonprofit’s CEO for 30 years.
“Anna was the perfect person because she's got the most generalized knowledge of every department within this organization,” Angie Hatcher Sledge, the former chief development officer for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, told Knox News earlier this year . “And she knows enough to keep us going and keeping the energy going and keeping us moving forward.”
During her interim CEO tenure, Engelstad has been helping the organization navigate Knoxville’s competitive housing market and initiate diverse fundraising ideas and collaborations in the post-pandemic economy. The nonprofit is in the final stages of its newest neighborhood development, Ellen’s Glen, and focusing on critical home repairs. Another neighborhood, The Plains, is scheduled to break ground soon.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com . On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208 .
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Meet the new Knoxville Habitat for Humanity CEO following nationwide search
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