MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristin Skaar
Special Events and Communications Manager
Office: 612-331-4439 x4
kristin@hfhmn.org
http://www.hfhmn.org
Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota hires new leader
State Habitat for Humanity support organization
looks to the future of affiliates across Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN – Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota (hfhmn.org) announces that
Chris Vosbeek has joined their organization as President and Executive Director. In
this role, he will be responsible for overall professional leadership and direction of
the operations of Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota. Chris Vosbeek is a Twin Cities
native who has wide range of community and industry leadership experience. He
was a long-time volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and served on the Board of
Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota and Twin Cities Habitat for
Humanity’s Board Audit Committee before taking the position as President and
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota today. While on the Habitat
for Humanity of Minnesota Board for six years he held the positions of Treasurer,
Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board.
Previously, Chris worked at Bremer Bank for 19 years, as the Chief Financial Officer
and Senior Vice President. Chris has a BA in Business with dual concentrations in
Finance and Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and completed extensive
executive training at University of St. Thomas Master’s in Business Program,
American Bankers Association, and the Minnesota Bankers Association.
Habitat Minnesota was created in October 1997 by the Minnesota Habitat affiliates
it serves for the initial purpose of applying for funding and providing funders with a
single contact for the distribution of resources. At the time Habitat Minnesota was
created, Minnesota’s Habitat affiliates were building homes at the rate of 70 per year.
Since that time, Habitat Minnesota has added a range of programs to support these
affiliates. Habitat Minnesota has helped Habitat affiliates by providing funding,
financing, and resources totaling over $80 million, enabling Habitat affiliates in
Minnesota to now serve nearly 300 families a year. In addition to funding, Habitat
Minnesota delivers a strong capacity building program that provides training and
technical assistance in a full range of areas where affiliates need support.
Chris Vosbeek shared his enthusiasm for his new position by saying, “I believe this is
a fantastic opportunity to combine my professional leadership experience and
personal passions as the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota in
order to help move the mission forward and eliminate poverty housing in
Minnesota.” Nathan Thompson, Chair of the Board of Directors, echoed this
enthusiasm:
The Board of Directors utilized Ballinger | Leafblad, an executive search firm,
in an extensive process that included obtaining feedback from Habitat
affiliates across the state and many interviews with various stakeholder
groups. The process identified Chris Vosbeek as the top candidate and the
Board of Directors is thrilled that he has accepted the position. Chris brings a
wealth of knowledge and skill to the organization which will be utilized to
innovate and grow Habitat Minnesota’s capacity to better support the work
that local Habitat for Humanity affiliates are doing statewide. Most
importantly, Chris Vosbeek has a passion for Habitat for Humanity’s mission
of seeking to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build
homes communities and hope. Chris has a servant’s heart, along with an
impressive list of qualifications, skills and talent. We are excited to have him
at the helm of Habitat’s State Support Organization in Minnesota.
About Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota
Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, Inc., is a statewide resource development and
support organization that serves, advocates for, and advances the work of
Minnesota’s 31 Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build simple, decent, affordable
housing in partnership with people in need. Habitat Minnesota provides a full range
of support to Minnesota affiliates in creating affordable housing solutions with over
300 families yearly through new home construction, A Brush with Kindness, and
critical repair programs. For more information, visit www.hfhmn.org.
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