Savannah’s Habitat for Humanity has appointed Harold Tessendorf as Executive Director effective May 2, 2016.  In his position Tessendorf is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization through the creation and implementation of financial, operational and administrative programs to promote the overall vision, direction, health and growth of the affiliate.  

Tessendorf joins the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity with extensive experience in strategic management, community development program management and economic development having most recently served as the Executive Director of the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity for the past 10 years.  In his role with the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity office, the affiliate doubled the number of families served from 54 to 110.  He also helped establish the Lynmore Estates neighborhood revitalization project and was instrumental in positioning the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity as a persistent advocate for revitalization and innovative thinking in the area.

“The Executive Director position is vital to the growth of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity and its continued development of our mission to provide long-term solutions to poverty,” says Ted Jones, Habitat Board of Directors Chairman.   “The Board and I are confident that with Harold’s extensive experience in strategic planning and fundraising, community development programs and economic development that he is the right person to guide The Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity and we look forward to the contributions his expertise will bring to the organization and our community.”

Active with Habitat for Humanity across Georgia for over 15 years, Tessendorf was the Founding Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Georgia Inc.  He also served on several industry Boards of Directors including Macon Home Builders Association, Home First Housing Counseling Agency and Community Partnerships Inc.  In addition to his organizational affiliations, Tessendorf holds a Masters of Science Degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire College and a Masters Degree in Political Studies (Conflict Resolution) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa.

"Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity is held in high regard within the wider Habitat family and I am humbled by the opportunity to join such a high caliber housing organization,” says Tessendorf. “I look forward to working alongside its passionate Board of Directors, experienced staff, many community and local government partners, partner families and loyal volunteers to ensure that more Coastal Empire families enjoy access to safe, decent and affordable homeownership in neighborhoods where residents are safe, healthy and can grow into all that God intended for them."

Habitat Savannah is the premier area institution responsible for rehabilitating and constructing affordable housing.  A proven long-term solution to poverty, Habitat’s model emphasizes collaboration and community engagement.   The organization’s partnership model offers deserving, hard-working families a hand-up.