Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Staff
Amanda Brewer, Executive Director/President
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Amanda Brewer, Executive Director/President Amanda Brewer started with Habitat for Humanity International as a fulltime volunteer in 1997. She came to Habitat Omaha in 1999 as the Associate Director. After a year at Gallup, she became the Executive Director in 2005. Amanda loves Habitat because it provides an opportunity for everyone to be involved in strengthening our community. |
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Family Services Department
Homeownership Team
Rayan Elbasheer, Family Partnership Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National)
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Rayan Elbasheer, Family Partnership Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Nick Marion, Family Services Construction Trainer
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Nick Marion, Family Services Construction Trainer Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Nick was a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In June of 2009 Nick joined the AmeriCorps*VISTA program and became the Sweat Equity Coach at Habitat Omaha. Once his term of service was complete in August of 2009 Nick joined the Habitat Omaha staff as Family Services Construction Trainer, the position he currently holds. Nick enjoys, "working directly with families-helping them learn how to maintain their homes". He also enjoys being able to split his time between working in the office and on construction sites. When Nick is not at work he likes to do outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking and fishing. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI ) |
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Neighborhood Revitalization Team
Oscar Duran, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator
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Oscar Duran, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Amy Lillethorup, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National)
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Amy Lillethorup, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Roof and Repair Team
Lula Plater-Smith, Roof and Repair Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National)
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Lula Plater-Smith, Roof and Repair Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National) Lula Plater-Smith is an AmeriCorps*National volunteer serving as Roof & Repair Associate for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. In addition to working at Habitat Omaha Lula is pursuing her Associates Degree and is also a regular volunteer at the Nebraska Medical Center. She is active at church and loves to spend time with her large extended family. She enjoys every day at Habitat Omaha and says it is "a blessing to see the smiles that match my own." (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Ryan Paul Underwood, Roof and Repair Associate
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Ryan Paul Underwood, Roof and Repair Associate Before joining the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha team Ryan was Business Development and Internet Manager at Briggs Auto in Manhattan, Kansas. Ryan first became a part of Habitat Omaha when he joined the AmeriCorps*National program in September 2009 as a Construction Crew Member. He then completed a second year of service with AmeriCorps*National as a member the Roof and Repair team. In August 2011 Ryan joined the saff as Roof and Repair Associate, the position he currently holds. He is very excited to serve with Habitat Omaha because he has a "great deal of respect" for the organization. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda and their Husky Rocco. His hobby is barbequing.(Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Barry Wingert, Roof and Repair Manager
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Barry Wingert, Roof and Repair Manager Barry Wingert was hired on to serve as Roof and Repair Manager with Habitat Omaha in August 2008. Barry brought with him over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. Most recently, he spent five years working for the city of Council Bluffs as a Rehabilitation Specialist. Barry enjoys working for Habitat Omaha because it allows him to apply his talents to "help build God's kingdom on Earth." When not at work, Barry stays busy with his "honey-do list." He loves the beach, and enjoys getting out for a relaxing day of fishing. |
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Human Resources Department
Vikki Jaeger, Human Resources Director
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Vikki Jaeger, Human Resources Director coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Human Resources Team
Christiana Roenne, Office Manager
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Christiana, Office Manager Christiana has a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies and a teaching ESL certificate. She spent six months studying in Mali, West Africa. Christiana then joined AmeriCorps*VISTA and served with Volunteer Partners in Lincoln, Nebraska where she established an emergency preparedness education program for lower-income neighborhoods. She signed-up for another year of service with AmeriCorps (this time with the AmeriCorps*National program) and became Habitat for Humanity of Omaha's Volunteer Coordinator in September 2011. After her year of service with Habitat Omaha, Christiana joined the staff as Office Manager. Christiana likes to work with Habitat Omaha because she is "thrilled with the prospect of continuing to serve low-income and poverty populations with such a respected and effective organization". She is please that the position has a lot a variety to keep her busy and challenged and that she will be able to meet many different people. Christiana is "kind of a science nerd". She loves being in the outdoors and learning about nature, keeping a garden, going on hikes and camping. She likes learning how things work and enjoys tutoring in English as a Second Language classrooms. Christiana also enjoys working with the international community and learning other languages. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Development and Marketing Department
Kathy S. Katt, CFRE, Senior Director of Development and Marketing
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Kathy S. Katt, CFRE, Senior Director of Development and Marketing Kathy Katt has more than 17 years of experience in development and non-profit management. She spent 10 years with the American Lung Association in addition to time with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Omaha Symphony, and the Boys Town National Research Hospital. She joined Habitat Omaha in July 2011 as Senior Director of Development and Marketing. Kathy was drawn to Habitat Omaha because of the positive impact the organization has on the community. In her own words, "To be part of something that has the ability to impact so many people, families, and the community as a whole is extraordinary." When not at work, Kathy is kept busy by her two sons, Noah and Jonah. Together they enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hunting. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Development Team
Aly Eveland, Development and Marketing Assistant
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Aly Eveland, Development and Marketing Assistant Coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Sarah Lopez, Director of Development
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Sarah Lopez, Director of Development Sarah Lopez joined Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as Director of Development in November 2011. Having grown up in North Omaha, Sarah was well aware of the positive impact that Habitat Omaha has on the community. She was drawn to Habitat because "the organization's approach to improving our community through practical, sustainable and eco-friendly housing solutions makes so much sense." Before arriving at Habitat, Sarah worked as Director of Development & Communications for Inclusive Communities. In her free time Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Dave, and their 2 dogs. She also coaches skills development to local ice hockey players. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Michele Shearer, Gifts In-kind Manager
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Michele Shearer, Gifts In-kind Manager Before Michele joined Habitat for Humanity of Omaha's staff she was Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator at The Salvation Army in Omaha. In January 2011 she became Volunteer Manager at Habitat Omaha. One year later Michele accepted a new position as Gifts In-kind Manager at Habitat Omaha. Michele enjoys working with people and loves Habitat Omaha's mission. When she is not at work, Michele teaches a Tai Chi exercise class. In her spare time she loves to quilt and spend time outdoors by one of her two fire-pits. Michele and her husband Bill have been married for more than 30 years and have three sons. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Kathy Wells, Development Associate-Special Events
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Kathy Wells, Development Associate-Special Events Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Kathy was the Special Events Director at Arthritis Foundation for three-and-a-half years. She joined the staff at Habitat Omaha in July of 2009 as Development Associate - Special Events, the position she currently holds. As a volunteer Kathy chaired the 2009 Women's Power Luncheon; she became excited about becoming a staff member because the "compassion and dedication of the staff was overwhelming and warming". Kathy feels that there is "a great sense of teamwork" at Habitat Omaha. She loves the outdoors, whether it's gardening, running, skiing or hiking in the mountains. She also enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family. Kathy and her husband Roger have three children, Sarah Oehler, Lora Wells and Eric Wells. (Photo by James Nedresky)
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Public Relations and Faith Relations Team
Nina Graziano, Communications Specialist
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Nina Graziano, Communications Specialist Nina attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Advertising. After graduating she joined the AmeriCorps*VISTA program and became the Faith Relations and Public Relations Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in February 2009. After completing her year of service Nina joined the Habitat Omaha staff as Communications Specialist, the position she currently holds. Nina loves "being a part of an organization focused on empowering people to make lasting changes in their lives, their children's lives and the community as a whole". She enjoyed using her skills to help the community by spending a year serving at Habitat Omaha through the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. Nina likes to spend time with family and friends. She also enjoys reading, photography and music. (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Tracie McPherson, Faith Relations and Public Relations Director
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Tracie McPherson, Faith Relations and Public Relations Director Tracie attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating she spent 11 years as a TV producer for KM3 News. Tracie then joined the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff in 2006 as Faith Relations and Public Relations Director, the position she currently holds. Tracie enjoys, "working with so many different people who come together to share in the ministry of Habitat." When not at work, Tracie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Marcy Pursell, Community Outreach Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National)
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Marcy Pursell, Community Outreach Coordinator (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Finance and Operations Department
Kenneth Mar, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
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Kenneth Mar, Chief Financial and Operations Officer Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Ken spent 13 years at Gallup as Treasurer and two years at Hoovestol Inc. as Director of Lending. In March 2011 Ken joined the Habitat Omaha staff as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, the position he currently holds. He believes that being a part of Habitat Omaha will give him the "opportunity to make the world a little better than when [he] got here". Ken and his wife have three children and a golden retriever named Sunny. When he's not at work he enjoys golfing and refereeing football, baseball and basketball. Ken also loves running; he tries to run 20-25 miles each week. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Construction Team
Angel Aguilar, Construction Crew Leader
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Angel Aguilar, Construction Crew Leader Before joining Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Angel was attending school and working. In September 2011 he joined AmeriCorps*National and became a Construction Crew Leader at Habitat Omaha. After his year of service, Angel joined the Habitat Omaha staff as a Construction Crew Leader. He likes working at Habitat Omaha because he enjoys "learning new skills and making a difference in people's lives". The thing he likes most about his position with Habitat Omaha is the people he works with. When he is not at Habitat Omaha, Angel likes going to the movies, being with his family and grilling. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Daniel Brewer, Director of Construction and Land Development
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Daniel Brewer, Director of Construction and Land Development Dan has nearly twenty-five years of commercial and residential construction experience. Most of his previous work was with engineering firms that provided geotechnical, materials testing and inspection on new construction projects. Dan started with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in April of 2008 as Construction Manager. Dan believes that Habitat Omaha, "offers a rewarding alternative to the typical 'for profit' environment by focusing on the needs of people rather than money". Dan is a self-described bibliophile who can spend hours crawling through used bookstores. Generally, he has three or four books in progress scattered around his house. (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Randy Busse, Project Manager coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Keilen Fantroy, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National)
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Keilen Fantroy, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Bijou Fidegnon, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National)
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Bijou Fidegnon, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Dave Hinrichsen, Rehab Construction Supervisor
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Dave Hinrichsen, Rehab Construction Supervisor coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Leigh Lynam, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National)
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Leigh Lynam, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Blake Johnson, Construction Warranty Supervisor
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Blake Johnson, Construction Warranty Supervisor coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Kris Minckler, Construction Supervisor
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Kris Minckler, Construction Supervisor coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Kirk Rogers, Construction Supervisor
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Kirk Rogers, Construction Supervisor coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Zach Short, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National)
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Zach Short, Construction Crew Leader (AmeriCorps*National) coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Mike Sullivan, Construction Supervisor
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Mike Sullivan, Construction Supervisor coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Glenda Wood, Construction Assistant
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Glenda Wood, Construction Assistant Glenda has spent the past 15 years working in the construction industry. She has experience in project management, contract administration, budgeting and code enforcement through her work with two state agencies and at the local government level. In June 2011 Glenda joined Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as Construction Assistant, the position she currently holds. She has wanted to "work with Habitat for quite a while because [she] believe[s] everyone needs safe, comfortable and affordable housing". She is proud to be a part of helping families meet this most basic need through her work supporting the construction department at Habitat Omaha. Glenda has dogs, cats, fish and turtles at her house-"it is a zoo!" When not a work she likes to spend time with her pets and family. She enjoys bicycling and gardening. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Finance Team
Mike Barnes, Accounts Payable Clerk
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Mike Barnes, Accounts Payable Clerk Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Michael worked for the Corps of Engineers as a project manager. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting at Bellevue and will graduate in June 2011. Michael joined Habitat Omaha in August 2010 as Accounts Payable Clerk, the position he currently holds. Through his church, St. Andrews Episcopal, Michael has spent nearly 20 years volunteering on Habitat Omaha build sites and has enjoyed giving back to the community. He hopes that in his current position he will "help in my small way to provide decent, affordable housing to those in need". Michael has been married for nearly 40 years and has two grown children. He has "strange hobbies" of driving old British sports cars and playing the bagpipes; "not at the same time!" (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Sheryl Fitzgerald, Accountant Coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Trish Wangler, Accountant Trish graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and passed the CPA exam in 1990. She has worked for the State of Iowa Auditor's Office and Weist, Tourek and Hower CPAs. Trish joined the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff in 1997 as Accountant, the position she currently holds. Trish works at Habitat Omaha because "we are instructed by the Gospels and Jesus to care for our neighbors, and not just those next door to us". She also believes that "a home can help a family beat the cycle of poverty in a generation or two". When she is not at work Trish volunteers her time as the Habitat Omaha representative at St. Pius X Church. Trish and her husband Mark have one daughter. |
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Volunteer Services Team
Tammie Dodge, Director of Volunteer Services
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Tammie Dodge, Director of Volunteer Services coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Turner Morgan, Volunteer Relations Coordinator
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Turner Morgan, Volunteer Relations Coordinator coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Government Relations and Advocacy
Viv L. Ewing, Government & Community Affairs Director
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Viv L. Ewing, Government & Community Affairs Director Viv has held management positions with Alegent Health, Salvation Army, Omaha Public Power District and Omaha Housing Authority. Before coming to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha she worked at Life Development International, her leadership and communications consulting business. In September of 2009 Viv joined the Habitat Omaha staff as Director of Volunteer Services. She currently serves as Habitat Omaha's Government & Community Affairs Director. Her entire family has been involved with Habitat Omaha since 2002 doing everything from fundraising and building to supporting major events. Viv "wanted to work at Habitat to make an ongoing positive impact on the community". She loves to travel, write motivational stories and read. Viv also enjoys public speaking and exercising daily. (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Habitat for Humanity of Omaha ReStore
David Klitz, Habitat ReStore Director
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David Klitz, Habitat ReStore Director An Omaha native, David attended Creighton Prep and Creighton University majoring in History. While attending both Prep and Creighton, David volunteered on a regular basis with different retirement communities as well as Health and Human Service Adult Protective Unit and the Nebraska AIDS project, where he was a volunteer trainer for 10 years. Professionally, he worked for a total of 15 years in the customer service industry in management, quality and training. Most recently, he owned his own business, was a museum director and an assistant manager at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse in Papillion. David has been the ReStore Director for more than one year and credits the success of the ReStore to the staff and volunteers as well as the support and partnership of the team at the affiliate office. |
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James Berry III, Habitat ReStore Driver/Warehouse
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James Berry III, Habitat ReStore Driver/Warehouse coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Kirstin Broady, Donation Volunteer Coordinator
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Kirstin Broady, Donation Volunteer Coordinator coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Obie Dortch, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate
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Obie Dortch, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate coming soon... (Photo by James Nedresky) |
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Rebecca Hemphill, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate
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Rebecca Hemphill, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Tina Holmes, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate
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Tina Holmes, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Randy Kirchner, Habitat ReStore Retail Manager
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Randy Kirchner, Habitat ReStore Retail Manager coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Patrick Lieb, Cashier/Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate
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Patrick Lieb, Cashier/ Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate coming soon... (Photo byGregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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Jim Mumm, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate
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Jim Mumm, Habitat ReStore Customer Service Associate coming soon... (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/HFHI) |
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