SCNJ Leadership Transition : CEO Lori Leonard Retires After 15 Years

Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (HabitatSCNJ) today announced a historic leadership transition, celebrating 15 years of transformational service by CEO Lori Leonard and welcoming Annie Fox as the organization’s new Executive Director. 

Lori Leonard’s journey with HabitatSCNJ began in 2011 as Family Services Manager. Driven by a deep passion for the mission, she rose through the ranks as Resource Development Manager and Executive Director before taking the helm as CEO. 

Under Leonard’s visionary leadership, HabitatSCNJ achieved unprecedented regional growth and impact: 

• Accelerated Home Production: Brought the affiliates   total production to 400 new and rehabilitated affordable homes, including 79 during her tenure. In 2019, Leonard pioneered the use of modular construction, allowing the affiliate to double—and in some years triple—its annual home production. 

• Critical Community Repairs: Launched the Neighborhood Revitalization and Repairs Program in 2018. To date, the program has provided vital exterior repairs and life-safety upgrades (including roofing, HVAC systems, and accessibility modifications) to 500 families across Burlington, Mercer, Camden, and Atlantic counties—benefiting dozens of veterans and low-income seniors. 

• Strategic Expansion: Orchestrated four successful affiliate mergers. Originally serving 448,000 residents as Habitat for Humanity of Burlington County, the organization has expanded into HabitatSCNJ, now serving over 1.7 million people across 113 municipalities. 

• Statewide Advocacy: Spent two years advocating for statewide affordable housing resources, successfully helping secure $25 million in dedicated state funding for New Jersey Habitat for Humanity affiliates. 

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Annie Fox, whose appointment underscores commitment to cultivating leadership from within. 

Fox joined the affiliate in 2015 after a chance meeting with Leonard while volunteering for a local dog rescue. Recognizing Fox’s innate talent for community connection, Leonard brought her on as Community Engagement Coordinator. Over the past decade, Fox steadily advanced through key leadership roles, including Resource Development Manager, Resource Development Director, and Chief Development Officer. 

As Chief Development Officer, Fox has been instrumental in modernizing fundraising strategies, expanding corporate and community partnerships, and significantly increasing organizational revenue to fund Habitat SCNJ’s expanding footprint. 

“Serving this organization and the families in our communities has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Lori Leonard. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I have the utmost confidence in Annie’s leadership and the constantly growing impact of Habitat SCNJ.”  -Lori Leonard 

This seamless transition ensures that Habitat SCNJ will maintain its momentum in building affordable homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and fostering community stability across South Central New Jersey.