The board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has named Becky Lucas as chief executive officer.
Her appointment follows the recent announcement that former president and CEO Katherine “Kitty” Green accepted the position of vice president for advancement at Florida Gulf Coast University. In addition to appointing Ms. Lucas as CEO, the board has named Rick Mercer as president and Tanya Soholt as chief operating officer.
“Our board has always been impressed with Becky’s leadership and her ability to bring people together to support the cause,” said Gary Aubuchon, president of Aubuchon Team of Companies and board chair for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Not only
does Becky have the depth of knowledge of nearly 20 years with Habitat, but she brings a tireless passion for making affordable housing a reality for families in our region to her role as CEO.”
Over a span of 19 years, Ms. Lucas has served Habitat for Humanity in various roles including volunteer, director of construction, executive
director and her most recent role as vice president of community outreach. She managed the local affiliate during a time of rampant growth, overseeing the construction of 600-plus Habitat homes.
In her former role as associate director of philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy, Ms. Lucas worked with the state of Florida’s top philanthropic entities to devise their charitable giving plans, resulting in the protection of natural resources worldwide. She also served as a director of the Children’s Hunger Alliance in Columbus, Ohio, where she was responsible for a USDA program that fed 5,000 inner-city children a day.
Mr. Mercer has been with Habitat for Humanity for two years, previously serving as vice president of construction. With more than 30 years of construction management and community development experience, he oversaw the construction of all new homes, rehabilitated
homes and critical repairs, as well as community planning and development efforts.
Ms. Soholt has been with Habitat for Humanity since 1999. She previously served as vice president of family services, overseeing the Family Services and Senior Housing departments and monitoring the homeowner family selection process, property management and mortgage division.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Since 1982, 1,550 families in need of a hand up have partnered with Habitat
Lee and Hendry to build or improve their homes. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own homes and pay affordable mortgages. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower.
