In 1988, Lew Kraus accepted a one-year position as Executive Director with Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). That one year commitment extended into 28 years of working to provide decent, affordable housing for families in our community. Kraus is the longest serving Habitat for Humanity Executive Director in the nation!
After a career of wonderful and fulfilling Habitat experiences, Kraus has announced his forthcoming retirement. The target date for naming a new Executive Director is March 2016. With ample lead time and the oversight of our Governance Committee, the process of identifying a new Executive Director will be thorough to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
“As we continue to move forward to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, we will always remember that it was Lew’s vision and leadership that positioned us for our current and future success,” stated David Whilden, Chair of the AAHH Board of Directors. “He will be dearly missed and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Under Lew’s leadership, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity – the first Habitat affiliate in NC – has grown to be a “model” Habitat affiliate and today boasts the #2 ReStore in the country. Most importantly, more than 1,100 adults and children now have a safe and decent home, and thousands more have been impacted indirectly due to the generational impact of homeownership.