DANVERS — Meegan O’Neil will step down from her role as Essex County Habitat for Humanity executive director in June after seven years of service, according to officials there.
By guiding the merger of the North Shore and Merrimack Valley Habitat affiliates into Essex County Habitat, O’Neil helped create an organization that now serves nearly twice as many families and individuals each year as the former affiliates did combined. She also successfully led the organization through the challenges of the pandemic and expanded Critical Home Repair into a core program with a steady source of funding that continues to grow into new communities each year.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and the impact we make every day,” O’Neil said. “It has been a privilege to be part of work that changes lives and strengthens our community, and I look forward to continuing this work for several more months with this extraordinary team.”
O’Neil leaves behind a strong, financially stable organization with a solid pipeline of upcoming projects for her successor, say officials.
The Board of Directors has formed a search committee to begin the process of identifying O’Neil’s successor and to ensure the organization continues to move forward with strong leadership aligned with their mission, values, and strategic goals.
“We are deeply grateful for Meegan’s leadership and dedication to Essex County Habitat and are sorry to see her go,” Board President Dick Sumberg said. “She leaves behind an organization that is larger and stronger than she found it, and we wish her the very best in her next chapter.”
Essex County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the world. Essex County Habitat builds decent, safe, and affordable homes in partnership with the families who need them. Each partner family works at least 240 sweat equity hours alongside volunteers to build their home and then carries an affordable 30-year mortgage. Since it was established in 1985, the affiliate has delivered on their mission for over 205 families in Essex County.
To help fund their work, Essex County Habitat operates a ReStore, located in Lawrence, where they sell quality new and previously owned furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods at greatly reduced prices. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit EssexCountyHabitat.org