Members of Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors bring a wealth of experience and skills to the organization. As a nonprofit committed to building homes, communities, and hope for local families in need of affordable housing, we depend on the dedicated support of our Board of Directors. Serving for a minimum of four years, board members advocate for affordable housing, advise our senior leadership team, and provide annual financial support to further Habitat’s mission. We are excited to welcome Will Prather, Hugo Vargas, and Hunter Ward as new board members!
Will Prather is the Executive Producer and Owner of Prather Productions, overseeing Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Pennsylvania, Prather Touring, and Apex Touring. His companies entertain more than half a million guests annually and employ more than 300 people. As a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Will began his career as a restaurant manager in Dallas, Texas. He serves as a Senior Advisor for The Southwest Florida Community Foundation and as an Advisory Board Member for FGCU’s Hospitality/Resort Management Program. Additionally, Will is a member of the Fort Myers Rotary Club, past president of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts and has held leadership roles with the National Dinner Theatre Association and the Lee County Democratic Party. He looks forward to helping improve the quality of life for families through affordable homeownership.
Hugo Vargas, a first-generation American, has proudly called LaBelle home since childhood. He serves on the City of LaBelle Commission and the Hendry County Economic Development Council, where he oversees budgets, essential services, and is committed to attracting higher-wage jobs. Hugo also represents LaBelle on the Lehigh Regional Medical Center Hospital Board and was appointed to the Florida State Barber Board by Governor Ron DeSantis. He is the owner and founder of World Class Barbershop of LaBelle Inc. and has spent years mentoring LaBelle’s youth as a coach, church volunteer, and member of several athletic boards. He also serves as a Deacon at Crossroads Baptist Church and the Benevolence and Personnel committees. Guided by his faith and commitment to service, Hugo believes in the power of hard work, strong relationships, and treating others with kindness and respect. He believes the impact of a home is life changing in many ways and is eager to start his work with Habitat for Humanity.
Hunter Ward, a fifth-generation Floridian, is a Senior Broker Associate at LSI Companies, specializing in land development and commercial investment properties. Raised in Glades County, Hunter gained experience managing his family’s agricultural business. Since joining LSI in 2015, he has closed over 100 transactions, leveraging his connections in the agricultural and construction industries to deliver innovative solutions for his clients. As a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate, Hunter brings a wealth of expertise to his field as a Certified Commercial Investment Member and Accredited Land Consultant. He also serves on the Real Estate Advisory Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, helping guide meaningful development initiatives. He believes the impact of a home is profound. “It’s more than a place to live,” he said. “It’s where memories are made, where we feel safe, and where we find comfort and a sense of belonging.”
