Posted: 10/15/04
Habitat leadership transition agreement
reached; founder Fuller retires as CEO
By John Pierce
Baptists Today
AMERICUS, Ga.–Millard Fuller, the Baptist layman who founded Habitat for Humanity International with his wife, Linda, in 1976, will relinquish the title of chief executive officer but continue as “founding president” of the housing ministry.
Fuller has been in dispute for several months with Habitat's board of directors that appointed a new managing director in June and called for Fuller to retire as president in January, 2005. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Habitat's best-known volunteer, has intervened on two occasions to seek a compromise.
A press release from Habitat's headquarters in Americus, Ga., states the Fullers will serve as ambassadors for the ecumenical Christian housing movement that will dedicate its 200,000th house this year. Fuller said earlier he wanted to be in a leadership role when that milestone is reached.
“Now as I approach my 70th birthday, it is time for a change,” said Fuller, according to the release. “I will remain very engaged in the ministry as a spokesperson and strategist, and will help in every other way I can to strengthen and expand the work of Habitat for Humanity throughout the United States and around the world.”
Board Chairman Rey Ramsey announced that Paul Leonard, managing director since June, will serve as Habitat's CEO until a permanent replacement is named. David Williams will remain in charge of day-to-day management as chief operating officer, a job he has held for several years.
“With today's actions,” said Ramsey, an attorney in Baltimore, “everyone involved in the organization can keep their focus firmly on the future.”
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.