Knoxville Welcomes New CEO for Habitat for Humanity
Knoxville, a city known for its strong community spirit, is set to begin a new chapter with the appointment of Anna Engelstad as the new Chief Executive Officer of Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. The announcement came on August 30, following an extensive nationwide search that considered over 100 candidates.
Engelstad’s Journey to the Top
Before taking on the CEO role, Engelstad served as the Chief Operations Officer for the organization. She stepped into the interim CEO position earlier this year after the previous CEO, Kelle Shultz, retired after an impressive 30 years of leadership. Engelstad was chosen as she emerged as the top pick due to her extensive experience in the non-profit sector and her commitment to affordable housing and community development.
“This organization has a profound impact on our community,” Engelstad stated. She expressed her enthusiasm about working with the dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters at Knoxville Habitat to continue promoting strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Board Chair’s Confidence in Engelstad
Ty Hall, Chair of the Board of Directors at Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, voiced excitement about Engelstad’s appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Anna Engelstad as our new CEO,” he said. He highlighted her passion for the mission of the organization and confidence that under her guidance, Knoxville Habitat will continue to thrive and expand its impact on families within the community.
Plans Under Engelstad’s Leadership
With her official role beginning on September 1, Engelstad has already been instrumental during her interim position in helping the organization navigate Knoxville’s competitive housing market. She has also initiated various fundraising ideas and collaborations that align with the changing landscape in the post-pandemic economy.
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is currently in the final stages of developing a new neighborhood named Ellen’s Glen. This project aims to provide families with affordable housing options. Additionally, plans for another neighborhood, The Plains, are set to break ground soon, showcasing the organization’s commitment to community growth.
Solid Foundations for the Future
Engelstad’s vast knowledge regarding every department within Knoxville Habitat was highlighted by former Chief Development Officer, Angie Hatcher Sledge. She remarked, “Anna was the perfect person because she knows enough to keep us going and keeping the energy moving forward,” which emphasizes the trust and optimism placed in Engelstad’s leadership.
The local community and stakeholders have high hopes as Engelstad takes on her new role. Her experience, along with her dedication to the mission of affordable housing, is anticipated to drive Knoxville Habitat for Humanity to new heights and extend its positive impact on families in need across Knoxville.
Conclusion
As Knoxville Habitat for Humanity gears up for this exciting new chapter, the city looks forward to seeing how Engelstad will lead the organization towards achieving its goals. With a focus on affordable housing and community development, Engelstad’s leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of the organization and enhancing the lives of many in Knoxville.
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
