LEXINGTON, KY (November 2, 2022) – Lexington Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors has named Darryl Neher as its next Chief Executive Officer, following a national search. Neher joins Lexington Habitat after leading Fauquier Habitat for Humanity (Virginia) over the past four years.
During his tenure as Fauquier Habitat’s CEO, Neher led the acquisition of over $2 million in properties for new construction and renovation, launched a twelve-month education program for future homeowners, initiated a critical home repair program, and was a founding member and Chair of the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust. Prior to joining Fauquier Habitat, he was the CEO and President of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County (Bloomington, Indiana), a professor at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and active in local government as an elected official and member of numerous boards and commissions.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead Lexington Habitat for Humanity as its next CEO. Lexington Habitat’s reputation as a leader in affordable housing, the 600 homes built or rehabilitated in Fayette County, a dedicated board, and an experienced mission-driven staff—these elements provide an amazing foundation to do even more to fulfill our mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
Neher succeeds Rachel Smith Childress, who retired after 15 years of service to the organization. Elaine Luhr has served as Acting CEO since January 2022 and will remain with the organization as its Chief Operating Officer.
Chris Farris, Lexington Habitat Board Chair, welcomes Darryl to the Lexington community. “Darryl brings with him a strong commitment to the Habitat mission, proven leadership experience, communications skills, and governmental relations, which the organization can leverage to continue to be part of the conversation and bring solutions to Lexington’s affordable housing issues. The Board also wishes to extend its thanks to Elaine
Luhr who has served as Acting CEO, Lexington Habitat’s dedicated staff, and Benefactor Group of Columbus, Ohio, who assisted in the search process.”
Neher will join Lexington Habitat on December 1, 2022.