Our Team - Habitat for Humanity of NYS

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Barrett

Michael joined Habitat with extensive leadership experience. He brings two decades of executive level experience in three gubernatorial administrations and held high level policymaking roles across various sectors (economic development, environment, criminal justice, and emergency management). He also directed two executive agencies and co-founded the first nonprofit of its kind in the United States. Prior to coming to Habitat, he led the Adirondack Mountain Club through a strategic planning process where recommendations were fully implemented.

Michael has also published two novels, was the former publisher of Adirondack magazine, commentary editor-in-chief of the Journal of Legal Medicine, and author of numerous newspaper articles. Former adjunct professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri. He is the recipient of the Dorsey Award by the American Bar Association.

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Chief Financial Officer

Dave Morgan

Dave came to Habitat for Humanity NYS after many years of financial experience in both the non-profit and construction arenas. He came to Habitat because he believes in giving people the opportunity to improve themselves, their families and their neighborhoods with a little help from the Habitat community.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. He manages all financial related matters for the SSO.

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Director of Communications

Robbie Smolinsky

A life-long resident of upstate New York, Robbie works to support new marketing, communications, and technology efforts of New York State Habitat affiliates and develop strategies for the continued growth of the Habitat brand across the region.

Robbie graduated from Binghamton University and brings years of professional experience as the marketing lead and tech specialist across various business sectors, from smaller non-profit organizations, to higher education, and corporate settings.

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Board of Directors

Chair
Karen Derksen, NBT Bank

Vice-Chair
Kristina Persaud, Advanced Energy United

Secretary
Jennifer Stevenson, Blue Heron Reality

Directors
Amy Anselm, Construction Expert
Emily Barrett, Chemung County HFH
Ken Braley, Habitat for Humanity International
Barbara Dunn, Morris Habitat for Humanity
Jaylene Smith-Kilner, HFH of Genesee County
Crista Swistak, Bill Lake Modular Homes