MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

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Phil vanyo
​PRESIDENT

"I've been a member of the Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity Board for over 10 years.  I didn't know much about the organization at the time, but I did know the need was there to assist and help get more housing built for those in need.  Through the years I have seen our organization become stronger and more financially sound.  Because of this, we are able to continue to build homes in the GF/EGF area.  It is encouraging and satisfying to know there are many good people in the GF/EGF area who are willing to donate their time and talent to help our organization as well as individuals within our community.  I do intend to remain with the Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity as long as there is a need for my help."

rhonda callahan
​​VICE PRESIDENT

"I really enjoy being on the board for a couple of reasons. I enjoy using my time and energy serving with a group of like minded folks with a variety of talents. If feels great to use my brain in a different way than I do in my "day job" and I always feel valued for what I bring to the table. It is also is rewarding to be a part of God's plan in getting families into beautiful affordable homes!"
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HANNAH STEWART
​SECRETARY

Hannah is a student at UND, volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and is a member of our Board of Directors.
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"I joined Habitat for Humanity because I want to make an impact in my community. Nobody should be denied access to affordable housing."

MARISA SAUCEDA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

"I have a Bachelors in Communications from UND and a Masters in Community Development from NDSU. I'll be heading back to UND in the fall for law school while continuing my work with Habitat for Humanity. I'm currently the executive director and work with our partner families from the time of application until they move into their Habitat home, and offer support until their mortgage is paid off. I also fund-raise and manage and recruit volunteers. I love doing work that makes the community a better place. I personally believe housing is essential for a family's success and a community's success."

ELIZABETH WIlde
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
volunteer coordinator

"I have always wanted to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. It has been on my bucket list for years. However, I am far from a carpenter and when I saw a need for marketing and writing, I quickly reached out. My mom has always said, "When God gives you a gift and talent you use it no matter how it can help." That's exactly what I did and the rest is history. I am so fortunate to work with an organization who truly cares to help provide a place for those to call home, who may not be able to afford one."

KARL BELZER
TREASURER

Karl has been actively involved with the Habitat for Humanity Organization for many years.
"I joined the Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity because of the respect I have for Habitat for Humanity. I served on the board of Gateway Habitat for Humanity in Pocatello, Idaho for 9 years. Habitat for Humanity has a unique approach to assisting families. Home ownership can be transformational to a family – not only to the parents but to the children who will see what is possible. Owning a Habitat home can bring safety and stability to a family. Children growing up in this environment are more likely to bring that stable environment to their children in the future."

mike sullivan

Mike has served on our board of directors for over 10 years and was our former President. He joined Habitat for Humanity because he "believes that everyone deserves decent, affordable housing." He's worked in the non-profit and housing sectors his whole career and loves meeting each new Habitat partner family and volunteer!

LEXI MAASHIO

“Joining Habitat for Humanity was one of the best decisions I made when I moved to Grand Forks. I was able to meet so many kind individuals and spread the ministry of God. Many take having a roof over their heads for granted- but I wanted to be a part of fixing the reality that many cannot afford housing.”
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TRENT HAYDEN

"I wanted to be apart of an organization that directly affects people’s lives, helping them build and have a home that they can call their own, and to be proud of."

KEVIN FEE

"We get drained sometimes with the things we have to do. Volunteering fills me back up. And safe housing to a basic need. It’s rewarding to have a small part in helping people secure in many cases their first home."

DANIELLE ANDERSON

Danielle has also been actively involved with volunteer work for many years.

"Habitat for Humanity has a special place in my heart because of it's mission to help those in need to attain a sustainable future through the stability that comes with homeownership. I've been involved with Habitat for Humanity in one form or another since 2005 and after moving to Grand Forks am glad for the opportunity to be part of the Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors."
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SONJA OLSON

"I remember first hearing of Habitat for Humanity I believe it was when President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter brought this to the attention of the people of the United States. Their demonstration and commitment to social justice and basic human rights was also something that I had
began to think about way back in third grade with Mrs. Peterson in our Social Studies class. Mrs. Peterson has a way of teaching where the learning about Jane Addams and Hull House, an immigrant settlement house in West Harlem awakened my desire to be a helper to people. It was way back in 3rd grade I knew this is what I stood for and wanted to be a Social Worker when I grew up.

In 1989, while a senior at the University of North Dakota I again was to hear of Habitat for Humanity and the volunteering to assist families in having a home, but not just a home but a sense of stability and security. During my past thirty-two years in my Social Work career, I have witnessed many a time the numerous homes that needed much repair, homes that were substandard or working with families who
were homeless.

Earlier this summer I was assisting a family by gathering information on the application process for Habitat for Humanity and noticed the need to volunteer. Growing up with having a father as a talented carpenter I enjoyed the experience of hammering and nailing and thoroughly love the smell of sawdust! I thought what better way to be of service. I reached out to Marisa Sauceda, Executive Director and asked if I could possibly be of help, that I would love to volunteer. Soon I was to receive the honor and was asked to join the Board of Directors. I graciously accepted and it brings me great joy to be able to be
of service and to be a member of the Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The mission statement “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope” is very close and dear to my heart."

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER?

Send us a message today to apply!