TC Habitat for Humanity names MN business veteran as new COO

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity announced today that Mary Schumacher will join the organization January 1, 2011, in the newly formed role of Chief Operating Officer. She will report to Susan Haigh, president of Twin Cities Habitat. Schumacher is a veteran business leader who is currently a Senior Vice President and General Manager for Andersen Corporation, which has been one of Twin Cities Habitat’s strongest philanthropic and volunteer partners for more than a decade.

“Mary has served on our Board of Directors for several years, so we are well aware of her strong leadership skills,” said Susan Haigh, president of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. “We are fortunate to have someone with her capabilities joining our leadership team. Mary has been deeply involved in our strategic planning, she shares our vision, and she has the skills to implement it.”

Before working for Andersen Corporation Schumacher served as an executive for Ecolab Inc. and The Pillsbury Company. She has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and extensive executive training from Harvard, Penn State, and the Center for Creative Leadership.

“Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will benefit greatly from Mary’s business experience and deep understanding of the housing industry, both new construction and rehabilitation of existing homes,” said Jay Lund, president and chief operating officer of Andersen Corporation. “We wish her the very best, and we know our paths will cross often as Andersen has been, and will continue to be, a committed partner in Habitat’s goals around affordable housing.”

Twin Cities Habitat recently hosted the 27th Annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, where 26 new construction, rehabilitation and repair projects were completed in north Minneapolis and the east side of St. Paul. The organization is in the midst of a 4-year $36 million fundraising campaign called A World of Hope: It Starts at Home.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Our mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities. www.tchabitat.org