Important Leadership Update from Kentucky Habitat for Humanity
The board of directors of KY Habitat for Humanity would like to announce that after 22 years of dedicated service, Mary Shearer has decided to retire as our Executive Director, effective June 30, 2026.
We are confident that our team and dedicated supporters will ensure our programs continue to thrive now and in the future.
Please join the board in thanking Mary for her service and welcoming Heath Duncan as the new executive director of Kentucky Habitat for Humanity. Heath will begin his new duties on May 15, 2026.
Heath Duncan is a nonprofit executive with 20 years of leadership experience in affordable housing, community development, and organizational management. Since 2007, he has served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region, where he leads a multi-county organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing through the development of safe, affordable homes. Under his leadership, the affiliate expanded from a single-county operation into a regional organization serving three counties, while also supporting construction efforts in additional counties through strategic partnerships with corporate donors and government agencies.
Heath works closely with board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure effective program delivery and long-term sustainability. He maintains strong relationships across the Kentucky Habitat for Humanity affiliate network and has collaborated extensively on statewide advocacy efforts and cohesive messaging initiatives. His leadership at the national level includes service with Habitat for Humanity International, where he is a member of the Affiliate Enhancement Committee and a co-facilitator of a Community of Practice focused on strengthening affiliate board governance.
Beyond Habitat for Humanity, Heath has held numerous statewide and regional leadership roles, including Secretary of the Kentucky Habitat for Humanity Board, Chair of the Pennyrile Housing Corporation Board, and past President of the Hopkins County Home Builders Association. He also co-chaired the Hopkins County Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group following the Quad State Tornado. Currently, he serves as Vice President and President-Elect of the Madisonville Noon Kiwanis. Heath is recognized for his collaborative, mission-driven leadership and his commitment to strengthening communities across Kentucky.
This change in executive leadership is accompanied by new leadership at the board level as well. Scott Turner will replace Heath as secretary, Zach Worsham has assumed the vice-president position, and Brenda Weaver. Has assumed the position of president. We are all looking forward to working with Heath in this new role and express our sincerest thanks to Mary for her years of dedication and commitment to KY Habitat.
Heath Duncan
Welcome to Kentucky Habitat for Humanity!
Kentucky Habitat for Humanity (KyHFH) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope.
The recent plague of natural disasters has brought out the best in Kentuckians across the state. Neighbors helping neighbors. Local nonprofits springing into action to provide services outside their usual scope. Volunteers traveling hundreds of miles to help comb through rubble and search for the missing. In short, people helping people.
Before the pandemic, before successive floods destroyed 10,000-plus homes in Eastern Kentucky, and before the tornado outbreak that leveled several towns in the western part of the state, Kentucky was already short more than 78,000 rental units for low- and extremely low-income households.
The most basic needs become both scarce and dire in the event of an emergency: health, water, shelter, sanitation, livelihoods, safety and education, among others. We KNOW that safe, reliable shelter provides the foundation from which all of these things can begin to reemerge during the relief and rebuilding process. It is also crucial in these emergency situations that various organizations are working together rather than separately and we are proud to be part of an amazing group working to provide solutions that will create the path to stability for these communities.
We ask that you consider a donation to support Kentucky Habitat for Humanity’s work in Kentucky.
Your time is your donation. 2,000 volunteer hours equals the cost of building a $50,000 home.
A Message from Heather French Henry and Ret. Brigadier General Ben Adams
Supporting Kentucky Veterans in Need of Quality, Affordable Housing
Vision
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Mission
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Principles
We strive to demonstrate the love of Christ, focus on shelter, advocate for affordable housing, promote dignity and hope and support sustainable and transformational development.
Are you an advocate?
Learn about our Scholarship opportunities
Providing affordable safe housing
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We want to meet and work with you!
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What does Habitat do?
Learn more about our programs and how we serve our local affiliates
Why donate?
Your donation helps us build affordable housing for hardworking Kentuckians