With 11 houses in the pipeline for Freeport and South Portland, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland announced its selection of a new executive director who said she plans to accelerate the nonprofit’s home-building work.
“The organization is poised to really develop its vision and build on the tremendous momentum of recent years,” Tara Hill said in a news release. “I look forward to being a part of the effort to bring Habitat to the next level, making a positive difference for those in need of safe and affordable homes.”
Hill succeeds Interim Executive Director John Shumadine. Her past experience includes serving as the executive director of Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine and Maine Cancer Foundation. Most recently, she was the director of community development at Town & Country Federal Credit Union.
“Tara has years of experience as the executive director of Maine Cancer Foundation and has a demonstrated passion for nonprofit work,” said Julie Ray, president of Habitat’s board of directors. “She will bring her skills in organizational leadership, strategic planning, coalition building, and initiative development to position this affiliate for exciting growth moving forward.”
Shumadine stepped in as interim executive director as a longtime board member, allowing for a smooth transition while the board engaged in the executive director search.
Hill will begin work at Habitat on June 7.
The organization is currently working on a three-home community in Freeport.
Three families have been selected for the homes. Once the Freeport project is complete, Habitat plans to build eight affordable, energy-efficient homes in South Portland, off Sunset Avenue, near the city’s Thornton Heights neighborhood.
