Habitat for Humanity Canada Board appoints Mark Rodgers as President and CEO

New leader earmarks the renewal of 5-year federation strategic plan as top priority and pledges to advance total number of families served by 2020 

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - After completing a national executive search, Habitat for Humanity Canada's National Board of Directors proudly appoints Mark Rodgers to the position of president and CEO effective today.

Formerly Habitat Canada's chief operating officer, Rodgers in his new capacity will spearhead the renewal of the federation's 5-year strategic plan, galvanize Habitat's profile and pursue opportunities to drive revenue and increase the number of families served by 2020. 

"Mark brings a wealth of non-profit experience and business acumen to move Habitat to the next level," said Mary Cameron, chair, National Board of Directors. "He's a true champion, believes strongly in the transformational impact of our work and is committed to providing a greater number of families with the benefits of affordable homeownership than ever before."  

Habitat's model is unlike any other affordable housing option available to Canadians. Partner families purchase their home and build equity for their future as they pay a no-interest mortgage geared to their income.

"I am honoured and humbled to lead this amazing federation," said Rodgers. "Habitat is one of the most compelling organizations you can engage with on multiple levels. We build more than homes; we build better futures for families by enabling them to break the cycle of poverty. I look forward to encouraging more Canadians to grab a hammer and change lives."

More about Mark Rodgers

Mark Rodgers has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for almost 14 years in various capacities – first working as the director of development at Habitat for Humanity Waterloo and then as executive director for Habitat for Humanity Brant, prior to embracing his role as vice president of affiliate services at the National Office in 2006 and assuming the role of chief operating officer in 2012.

Rodgers has been responsible for creating and implementing a national strategy for directing and supporting Habitat for Humanity's 58 affiliates in Canada. His work in the non-profit sector also includes staffing or consulting roles with several of Canada's top non-profit organizations including World Vision Canada, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Mendelssohn Choir. Most recently he was named one of the social sector's top 25 leaders in Canada.  

His educational background encompasses sociology, psychology and management. In 2005 he earned a PhD in organizational development and since then has taught and lectured at a number of universities and colleges in North America. Rodgers is also the recipient of numerous academic awards, as well as numerous community awards related to his volunteer work in community development and supporting food banks in Ontario.  

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and on the Advisory Council of Imagine Canada.

His personal life motto is captured in the simple statement: Live to make a difference.

About Habitat for Humanity Canada

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 63,000 volunteers every year and 58 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity Canada