Neil Hetherington steps down as CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto

Appointed CEO, Habitat for Humanity New York City.

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Martin Blake, Chair of the Habitat for Humanity Toronto (HFHT) Board of Directors, today announced the resignation of the organization's Chief Executive Officer, Neil Hetherington.  On October 28 Mr. Hetherington resigned from Habitat for Humanity Toronto and accepted the appointment of CEO, Habitat for Humanity, New York City.

"We could not be more delighted for Neil who has devoted so much of his time and considerable talent to leading the extraordinary growth of the Toronto affiliate. Because of his passion for this cause, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is now helping more families break the cycle of poverty than ever before, and vastly improving our city along the way," says Mr. Blake.  "Although we will all miss him, we are proud of his accomplishments and wish him every success helping more families in New York where, after the recent devastation of Hurricane Sandy, his skills will be in even greater demand during Habitat's disaster recovery effort."

Mr. Hetherington's resignation will take effect February 4, 2013. Habitat Toronto's Board of Directors will immediately begin the search for a new CEO and will work closely with the talented team at HFHT to ensure a seamless transition.

"This new opportunity will offer many new challenges and occasions to help more families through our homeownership model," said Mr. Hetherington.  "I will, however, miss the wonderful volunteers, partner families and the staff to whom I'm deeply grateful.  Their passion and hard work is inspiring and has helped build a brighter future for families in need in this city."

Mr. Hetherington joined Habitat Toronto in September 2000, making him the youngest CEO of a Habitat affiliate in the world at the time. Over the course of his tenure, he has helped increase Habitat Toronto's building capacity from one home every two years to fifty homes annually. He is the recipient of several awards of distinction, including Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award (2006), as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded this year.

About Habitat for Humanity Toronto:

Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing organization. We welcome all people without discrimination to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of five Toronto ReStores. Habitat Toronto ReStores sell quality new and gently used donated building materials. Every 10 minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps a family improve their housing situation in more than 100 countries around the world.

Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Toronto

or media requests, please contact: 

Joanna M. Dwyer, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Associate
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
T: 416-755-7353 ext. 259 C: 416-708-6481 E: [email protected]