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We are excited to welcome you to our 2025 Habitat Florida Affiliate Conference! This year’s theme is Building Tomorrow, Together. As a network, we are embracing change, overcoming challenges, and finding innovative ways to serve our communities. Across Florida, the affordable housing crisis has required our affiliates to continually adapt. Yet, in the face of these challenges, the spirit of Habitat remains strong. Affiliates across the state are scaling up, building more, and serving more families than ever before. Together, we are forging a future where safe, affordable housing is within reach for all.  

We have lined up an incredible slate of speakers and sponsors to share their wealth of knowledge with our affiliate network! Thank you for your participation! If you are looking to book your rooms for the conference, you can do so here. The hotel will discount the taxes with a copy of your tax-exempt certificate. This conference, from April 28-30, 2025 at The Shores Resort and Spa is exclusively for Florida affiliate employees and volunteers. 
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Tuesday, April 29
 

7:30am EDT

Breakfast
Tuesday April 29, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EDT
Join us for a networking opportunity!
Tuesday April 29, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EDT
Richard Petty Ballroom 1st Floor

9:15am EDT

Facing the Housing Crisis: Launching the Cornerstone Housing Initiative for Systems Change
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
This presentation will introduce the Cornerstone Housing Initiative as a comprehensive approach to addressing Central Florida’s housing crisis. By engaging with this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues driving the housing crisis and learn how community engagement and systems thinking are being leveraged to pioneer changes in the housing system considered fundamentally broken.

Speaker: Dale Brill, Chief Policy Officer, Habitat Orlando & Osceola

Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Bill France C 1st Floor

9:15am EDT

Construction Innovation: 3D Building
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
With so many building methods on the market, it can be hard to know what will work best for your affiliate. Hear about the best practices of two affiliates who took on unique construction methods and succeeded!

Speakers:
  • Anna Terry, CEO, Space Coast Habitat - Habitat Lower Keys - Modular

Speakers
avatar for Anna Terry

Anna Terry

Executive Director, Space Coast Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
Anna has been with Space Coast Habitat in Brevard County since 2019 after “retiring” from a 40-year career in the fashion apparel industry.  She's an out of the box thinker and likes to leave things better and stronger than she found them.She is very proud to be leading Space... Read More →
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Coastal Room 11th Floor

9:15am EDT

In-House Underwriting
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Learn how to underwrite applications in-house with an objective system from an affiliate who does all underwriting with a QLO team and whose Homeowner Selection and Support Committee has created a system that is easy to use and very objective.

Speakers: DonnaLea Askman, Program Director, Habitat St. Lucie & Okeechobee
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Bill France B 1st Floor

9:15am EDT

Disaster Resilience & the AmeriCorps Program
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Habitat Florida is starting an AmeriCorps Program! Come meet out Program Manager, learn the ins and outs of our program design and see if a partnership in this program would be right for your affiliate. You can also learn how your affiliate can be more prepared for hurricanes and other disasters.

Speaker: Aja Tyler, Habitat Florida AmeriCorps Program Manager
Speakers
avatar for Roxanne Young

Roxanne Young

Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Florida, Inc
Committed to establishing effective relationships with stakeholders to re-imagine organizational value, bring strategic focus, construct financial stability and strive for organizational excellence.
avatar for Jo Rapps

Jo Rapps

Director of Operations, Habitat for Humanity Florida
As the new Director of Operations for Habitat Florida I am eager to meet the Habitat Florida network of affiliates and partners.
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Dolphin Room 2nd Floor

9:15am EDT

ROAR (Recruitment, Orientation, Activation, Retention)
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Can your Board be doing more? Learn how to ignite and align your board for mission success in this exciting session. 

Speaker: Danielle Stround, President & CEO, Habitat Lake-Sumter
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Stroud

Danielle Stroud

CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Surf Room 11th Floor

9:15am EDT

Collaborative Fundraising
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Join a speaker from HFHI to learn more about how the Habitat network is working together to put donors at the center of fundraising by minimizing competition, increasing collaboration and building resource development capabilities across the ministry.
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Atlantic Room 11th floor

9:15am EDT

ReStore Manager Manual
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Glenn Leins, well-known for his expertise at Habitat Broward, is excited to guide an informative session on achieving operational excellence in store management! Be prepared for a thought-provoking conversation that will explore important areas like management transitions, operational audits, team member recognition methods, and optimizing sales at the ReStore. We truly value your active involvement - feel free to share your achievements, obstacles, and experiences to enhance our interactive discussion. Your individual perspectives will greatly contribute to fostering a constructive and dynamic learning environment. Let's join forces on this educational path and embrace the chance to expand our knowledge and accomplishments together!
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
River Room 11th Floor

10:30am EDT

Habitat Florida & Statewide Advocacy
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
We are at the beginning of a very busy advocacy year! Join us to learn more about our statewide policy priorities for 2025 and beyond and how YOU can get involved. This session will be presented by Jessica Meyer, Habitat Florida Director of Engagement, and a representative from our lobbying team, Robert StuartAngela Drzewiecki, or Carlecia Collins.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Meyer

Jessica Meyer

Director of Engagement, Habitat for Humanity of Florida, Inc
Jessica is the Communications Manager for Habitat Florida. Prior to working in the nonprofit industry, Jessica worked in healthcare communications and taught Civics.
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Bill France B 1st Floor

10:30am EDT

Construction Training & Workforce Partnerships
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Learn about Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside's innovative construction training center and partnerships with other local organizations to help build the area's construction workforce.

Speaker: Todd St. John-Fulton, SHRM-CP, Chief People & Culture Officer, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside


Speakers
avatar for Todd St. John-Fulton

Todd St. John-Fulton

Chief People & Culture Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco
Todd St. John-Fulton is the Chief People & Culture Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties. He has worked at Habitat for over three years and has been in the Human Resources field for approximately 15 years. He studied at the University of South Florida... Read More →
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Coastal Room 11th Floor

10:30am EDT

Cross Departmental Collaboration & Building Strategic Partnerships
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Join us for the presentation of a unique cross-departmental collaboration that has strengthened existing and introduced new strategic partnerships for the affiliate. This presentation will focus on case studies of specialty builds such as our CEO Build and PGA Tour Wives Association Build in partnership with a media partner (i.e Tampa Bay Business Journal) to increase support, media awareness, and funds. These specialty builds have allowed the affiliate to tap into new networks to drive support from community organizations and create an experience that keeps these individuals and groups supporting year after year.

Speaker: Xavier Oliver, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside
Speakers
avatar for Xavier Oliver

Xavier Oliver

Director of Corporate Partnerships, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside
Hi! I am the Director of Corporate Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Gulfside and I've been with the affiliate since July 2021. 
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Dolphin Room 2nd Floor

10:30am EDT

HFHI Disaster Response Focus Group
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Has your affiliate recently been impacted by a disaster? HFHI wants to hear from you to help improve their disaster response program. Questions are attached!
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Rivera

Melissa Rivera

Affiliate Engagement & Success Manager, Habitat for Humanity International
I reside in New Smyrna, Florida, and have been at HFHI for nearly 10 years. In my current role, I manage the outcome measurement change management approach across the U.S. in partnership with affiliated organizations, design trainings/resources, and provide MEAL technical assistance... Read More →
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Surf Room 11th Floor

10:30am EDT

Stronger Together: Building Better Communities through HOAs
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Learn everything you need to know to build your HOA program!

Speaker: Teri McParland, Director of Neighborhood Impact, LCAM, Habitat Lee & Hendry Counties

Speakers
avatar for Teri McParland

Teri McParland

Director of Neighborhood Impact, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Hello!  I recently joined the H4H Family Services Team as Director of Neighborhood Impact.  I have 4 years of experience as a Licensed Community Association Manager (LCAM) in Home Owner Associations (HOA) and 25 years in Hospitality, Hotel Sales and Management.  I am proud to be... Read More →
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Room 11th Floor

10:30am EDT

Unleashing Our Potential. Becoming One.
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
To continue transforming each affiliate within a partnership that would be unattainable – perhaps inconceivable – if either one of us were to work individually. The session will cover key approaches to growing together.

Speaker: Amiramis Desueza, Executive Director, Highlands County Habitat
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Bill France C 1st Floor

10:30am EDT

Board Members and Fundraising
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Board members and affiliate leaders can come get a crash course on engaging their board in
fundraising. This session will equip attendees with the tools necessary to lead board members in an affiliate’s
fundraising efforts. It is a great fit for executive directors, development team managers, board members or anyone
involved in supporting or leading board members’ fundraising efforts.

Learning objectives: Learn how board members can effectively use their time, talent and treasure to help you
establish board fundraising expectations and strengthen your board’s ability to engage in fundraising activities. We
will discuss how board members can participate in various stages of the fundraising cycle.

Speaker: Habitat International

Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Atlantic Room 11th floor

12:00pm EDT

Plated Lunch with Keynote Speaker
Tuesday April 29, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Have you ever asked yourself, “What on earth am I here for?”
 
Finding your purpose is one thing—but living it out with clarity, confidence, and momentum requires strategic action. That’s where Bristan Heaven comes in.
 
As a Transformational Leadership Strategist, Bristan has empowered hundreds of leaders in their careers, businesses, and ministries to achieve both business success and kingdom impact. Through dynamic speaking, training, and coaching, he equips leaders with the strategies they need to maximize their influence and performance—raising the bar and REACHing Higher.
 
With expertise spanning people development, marketing, sales, financial management, entrepreneurship, business banking, consulting, strategic leadership, and customer service, Bristan has successfully transferred his skills across multiple industries. As a DISC Trainer certified with Maxwell Leadership, he also serves as a board member and Co-President of the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce.
 
Beyond leadership, Bristan is a devoted family man and the author of Found: When All Seems Lost. He lives in Orlando with his wife, Latondra, and their two daughters. Together, they serve as Strategic Disruptors through their business, Kingdom REACH Leadership, and Bristan also leads as President of Spirit & Truth Global.
 
Bristan’s mission is clear: to empower leaders, transform lives, and help others walk boldly in their God-given purpose.

Learn more at https://www.kingdomreachleadership.com/



Tuesday April 29, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Richard Petty Ballroom 1st Floor

2:15pm EDT

Elevate Your Construction Schedule – No Scaffolding Required
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
The story of how Greater Volusia changed their approach and increased their historic build rate.
The good, the bad and the ugly of our journey to increase our construction capacity and serve more families.  We will share lessons learned, hurdles faced and how we gained alignment, built enthusiasm and created momentum in the community.  No matter the size of your affiliate if you want to accelerate your build rate, please join us for a fun story followed by open discussion.


Speaker: Jeff Beck  -  Vice President, Supply Chain- TopBuild and Immediate Past President and Construction Committee Chair - HFH of Greater Volusia County
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Bill France B 1st Floor

2:15pm EDT

Habitat Capital LLC: What Is It? What Does It Do? How Can Affiliates Leverage the Resource?
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Habitat Capital’s mission is to create and provide financial services and capital that enable equitable homeownership opportunities and affordable housing solutions for underserved people in order to foster vibrant and diverse communities throughout the United States.

Habitat Capital recently embarked on a strategic planning effort to help better align its products and services to affiliate needs and to ensure long-term sustainability, right-sized growth and more focused impact. This session will provide an overview of the plan’s strategy, goals and objectives, in addition to current and future offerings.

Learning objectives:
1. CDFI
2. Habitat Capital current and future state
3. Habitat Capital products
4. Habitat Capital programs: New Markets Tax Credit, mortgage financing, affiliate lending

Speakers: Habitat International
Speakers
avatar for Tim McCue

Tim McCue

Associate Director of Credit and Portfolio Management, HFHI
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Dolphin Room 2nd Floor

2:15pm EDT

Building Communities & Hope
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Join Bob Calhoun and representatives from Habitat Guatemala and HFHI to learn more about our innovative partnership project!
Speaker: Bob Calhoun, President & CEO, Habitat St. Lucie & Okeechobee
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Stroud

Danielle Stroud

CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
River Room 11th Floor

2:15pm EDT

Capital Campaigns
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Learn how to plan and manage capital campaigns as Collier County shares their best practices.

Speaker: Kara Kouloheras, Collier County Habitat
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Coastal Room 11th Floor

2:15pm EDT

Engaging ReStore Volunteers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Learn how to engage a dedicated ReStore volunteer corps that is committed to supporting your mission every week!

Speaker: Jennifer Peace, Director of Operations, Southeast Volusia Habitat 
Speakers
JC

Jose Cruz

ReStore Manager, SE Volusia
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Bill France C 1st Floor

2:15pm EDT

Seismic Shifts of Leadership – ever wonder what it takes to become the leader of a team? Or the executive leader of an affiliate?
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
  • What are the challenges of balancing management and leadership?
  • How can you master what is needed to lead and manage teams in this chaotic world?
  • What EXACTLY is needed to shift from DOING to LEADING…and HOW do you make this transition?
 
This workshop will offer a short assessment to better understand the transition from Tactician to Strategist and Problem-solver to Agenda-setter. These are 2 of the 7 Seismic Shifts needed to become more effective leaders. More will be revealed in the workshop. Please note, this is a double session and runs for 2 hours.

Dr. Gary McGrath is a leadership expert dedicated to transforming good bosses into great leaders. His leadership journey began as an Eagle Scout and continued in the U.S. Army, where he commanded 120 soldiers by age 25. With a dual degree in Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, he later earned an MBA and Doctorate in Business Administration.
Dr. Gary spent 30 years in manufacturing, technology, and marketing with companies like Procter & Gamble and Novell before transitioning to leadership development. He trained under experts like Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, becoming a certified trainer in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Situational Leadership. In 2009, he founded Statarius, developing the LeaderStep7® program to create compassionate, accountable leaders. A Certified Speaking Professional® and author, he also dedicates time to nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Gary McGrath

Dr. Gary McGrath

CEO, Statarius LLC
Dr. Gary McGrath isn't just another leadership consultant - he's a unicorn in the field. With decades of experience in a range of industries and an unparalleled passion for developing leaders, Dr. Gary is the go-to expert for organizations looking to take their leadership to the next... Read More →
Tuesday April 29, 2025 2:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Atlantic Room 11th floor

3:30pm EDT

Local Advocacy: Success Stories and Best Practices
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Moderated by Jessica Meyer, this panel will take a deeper dive into local advocacy with three affiliate experts. This is a perfect session for those looking to go further with their advocacy efforts.

Speakers: Danielle Stroud, President & CEO, Habitat Lake-Sumter, Trevor Loomis, President & CEO, Habitat Indian River, Sam Young, President & CEO, Habitat Pensacola

Speakers
avatar for Jessica Meyer

Jessica Meyer

Director of Engagement, Habitat for Humanity of Florida, Inc
Jessica is the Communications Manager for Habitat Florida. Prior to working in the nonprofit industry, Jessica worked in healthcare communications and taught Civics.
avatar for Danielle Stroud

Danielle Stroud

CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter
avatar for Trevor Loomis

Trevor Loomis

President and CEO, Indian River Habitat for Humanity
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Dolphin Room 2nd Floor

3:30pm EDT

Neighborhood Revitalization & Veteran's Build
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Learn about these two important programs including best practices for each.

Speaker: Nitza Rivera, VP Veterans Build & Neighborhood Revitalization, Habitat Hillsborough
Speakers
avatar for Nitza Rivera

Nitza Rivera

NR - Vet Build Program Manager, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County FL Inc
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Surf Room 11th Floor

3:30pm EDT

Rural Roundtable: Resources and Strategies for Habitat’s Work in U.S. Rural Communities
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
 Join us for a review of existing resources available to support Habitat’s work in U.S. rural communities and recent affiliate successes and innovations, and engage in a conversation around strategy and continual improvement. We will kick off the session with an overview of current resources available to affiliates in rural areas, including funding opportunities, capacity building, advocacy and HFHI staff positions dedicated to rural support. Recent successes and innovations will bring these resources and opportunities to life and inspire attendees with tangible results. We will conclude with an interactive segment where all attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback and advice, identify additional opportunities and areas for improvement, and help co-create our collective path forward. Your insights and experiences are invaluable as we work together to build stronger, more resilient rural communities.

Learning objectives:
1. Walk away with a list of resources to use immediately and opportunities to prioritize within your affiliate strategy.
2. Apply lessons and promising practices from other affiliates’ successes.
3. Participate in imagining and co-creating next steps in HFHI’s strategy to support work in rural communities.

Speaker: Habitat International
Speakers
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Coastal Room 11th Floor

3:30pm EDT

Mission Possible: Connecting with the Right Future Homeowners
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Learn the ins and outs of a successful homeowner recruitment program including how to use innovative techniques and partnerships to connect with future homeowners. 

Speakers: Donald Smith, VP of Homeowner Services, Habitat Broward
Speakers
avatar for Donald Smith

Donald Smith

VP of Homeowner Services, Habitat For Humanity of Broward
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Bill France B 1st Floor

3:30pm EDT

Hosting a Successful & Fun Women's Build
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Learn how to host a successful, impactful, and most of all, FUN, Women's Build event. 

Speaker: Julia Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer, Greater Palm Beach Habitat
Speakers
avatar for Julia Murphy

Julia Murphy

Chief Advancement Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County
Hi everyone,I started my journey with Habitat in Palm Beach County this past August. It has been the greatest experience. I have been in fundraising for 13 years and am passionate about helping others. When I am not working, I spend my time with my family, volunteering, exploring... Read More →
Tuesday April 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
River Room 11th Floor

5:00pm EDT

Dinner on Your Own
Tuesday April 29, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Tuesday April 29, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

8:00pm EDT

S'mores by the Firepit
Tuesday April 29, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Join us on the pool deck, overlooking the ocean, for s'mores! 
Tuesday April 29, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
 
Habitat Florida 2025 Affiliate Conference
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