New Habitat for Humanity executive director brings Boy Scout roots and passion for giving back to organization

Michael Richard recently took the helm as the newly appointed executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County.

Since 2013, Richard has served as district director of the Lincoln Heritage District of the Buffalo Trace Council, Boy Scouts of America, providing leadership in five counties Southern Indiana counties including Dubois County.

The 32-year-old Santa Claus resident went through the ranks of scouting before becoming an Eagle Scout when he was around 15 years old. That experience instilled in him an appreciation for giving back to the community.

“Serving others is one of the main reasons I enjoyed working for non-profits,” he said.

He views working at Habitat as an extension of that passion he has for helping others.

“While I have personally been blessed to have never experienced a lack of safe housing, I have had several friends and family that have had to face the reality of not having a place of shelter,” Richard said. “Being the executive director for Habitat allows me to use my experiences and abilities to have a direct local impact on helping people obtain not only reliable housing but also a stable environment where each member of the family can be empowered to achieve their potential.”

Richard explained he hasn’t had a tremendous amount of experience with Habitat before coming on board but he truly appreciates their mission.

“Several friends have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to volunteer in recent years, and each of them have described first hand the feeling of seeing a family finally be able to have a place of their own and how meaningful that is,” he explained. “I find it rewarding to work for non-profit organizations that directly impact their communities, and it’s exciting to be able to bring a fresh perspective to things and to broaden my leadership with Habitat.”

Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County partners with qualified families and community members to assist in providing affordable housing. The organization is a Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman, and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety.

Future Habitat homeowners provide volunteer hours during the construction of their homes and assume ownership with a lower-cost mortgage once construction is complete.

Earlier this year, Habitat announced the next home in Dubois County would be built by area students through a partnership with the Patoka Valley Career & Technical Cooperative and VUJ.

“Our new collaboration with local students to be part of the build from day one and gain practical experience is very exciting,” he said adding this is a great opportunity for students to get experience building a home while giving back to the community.

Habitat for Humanity is expected to break ground on its 18th home later this summer. Additionally, the organization will be celebrating its 25th year in 2020 as well.

“Michael’s work in our community through the Boy Scouts and the impact that service has had in his life along with his dedication made him an ideal candidate,” said Habitat board president Amy Crane. “I am glad the hiring team took the time to find a great addition to lead the organization for years to come.”

Michael and his wife, Kayla, have a young son, Warren. The family lives in Santa Claus. He holds a Bachelor of Science in airport administration from Fairmont State University.

“I am looking forward to serving Dubois County with Habitat for Humanity and providing leadership to a great team that cares deeply about helping people,” Richard said. “We have been partnering with families and the community to build 17 homes since 1995, and as we celebrate our 25th year, we are all very excited to be working towards our next home and spreading the mission of Habitat.”