Local Habitat nonprofit begins search for new CEO

Diana Shoemaker will continue in the position until a replacement has been found.

By Business Observer Staff
| 12:42 p.m. March 15, 2022
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Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is on the search for a new CEO after Diana Shoemaker announced her departure. (Courtesy photo)

Manatee-Sarasota

BRADENTON — After 11 years, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s CEO announced she was stepping down.

Diana Shoemaker, credited in the news release for leading the way through uncharted waters during the pandemic, made the announcement last month that she would be leaving to join a national advocacy organization. Manatee Habitat has used MBJ Group Inc. to lead the search process.

“During my tenure with Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, I have had the great privilege of working alongside passionate and committed staff, board members and volunteers,” Shoemaker says in a release. “Together we have grown an organization that has earned the praise of community leaders, businesses, civic and faith organizations while we have continued to tangibly address the critical need for affordable housing in Manatee County.”

Throughout her time with Manatee Habitat, Shoemaker served as family services manager and executive director before becoming president and CEO. All the while, Manatee Habitat assisted more than 35 families achieve affordable home ownership, as well as put in the work to build 16 more homes in Samoset and four additional ones in Palmetto.

Under Shoemaker’s leadership, Manatee Habitat expanded its programs that addressed critical repair needs of existing affordable housing stock. This led to a higher number of seniors and disabled homeowners that were helped in the county. Additionally, Manatee Habitat entered a partnership with nonprofit Our Next Mission that increased the services available to veterans looking for homeownership and home repairs.

Shoemaker also led the organization to develop a strategic plan that it will continue to use to build partnerships and address the need for more affordable housing. Until a replacement can be found, Shoemaker will continue as CEO on a part-time basis.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served as a leader for Manatee Habitat for Humanity,” she says, “and for being part of an organization that has cared so deeply for the needs of our neighbors.”