Released by Longview Habitat for Humanity
LONGVIEW/GREGG COUNTY (KYTX) - Come say hello to the new executive director of Longview Habitat for Humanity, La Juan Hollis.
Come say goodbye at the same time to outgoing director Kelly Watson, at a come-and-go reception from 1-4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10 at the Habitat office at 300 West Tyler Street in downtown Longview.
Hollis comes to Longview Habitat for Humanity from Dallas and Tyler, where she began her 15 years experience managing non-profit organizations, including eight years leading regional offices for the state's 2-1-1 Texas program.
"I am delighted to join Habitat in its mission to alleviate poverty housing and build thriving neighborhoods in Longview," Hollis said. "Exciting things are happening for this organization and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead us into the next phase of service to the community."
Watson came to Longview Habitat in 2010 and is now moving out of state.
"While I am excited to be moving to this new phase in my life, I will miss Habitat and the people there," Watson said. "This has been my favorite job so far. I have enjoyed working with so many people around Longview and meeting our partner families. It's rare to have a job where you get to see the faces of the people you help as you're helping them."
Watson has overseen completion of 16 homes for low-income families from Longview in her time at the helm and created a new critical home repair program, as well as spearheading the initial efforts to build a new office and ReStore facility.
"The Board of Directors was certainly disappointed when Kelly told us she was leaving. Her leadership during her time with Longview Habitat for Humanity has been outstanding," said LHFH Board President Chuck Ewings. "She has left a great foundation for La Juan Hollis to work with. La Juan brings a great deal of experience to the position and we're confident she will help us to continue the great work we are blessed to provide the Longview community."
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat works in partnership with people in need throughout the world, building simple, decent shelter that is sold to them at no profit through no-interest loans. Funds, building material and labor are donated by individuals, churches, corporations and other organizations dedicated to housing issues.
Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is headquartered in Americus, Georgia. Worldwide, Habitat has built homes for more than 500,000 families worldwide.
For more information about Longview Habitat for Humanity, please call 903-236-0900.
