A Fond Farewell
HBA CEO Dave Nielsen, Former HBF ED Ken Cowdery, Board President Brian Schmidt, Founder Rudy Kadlub, Brenda Ketah, Former HBF ED Mel Duncan, Luke Morley, Board VP Brian Boggs, Nicole Wolfer.
Home Building Foundation will say goodbye to its veteran leader as the year ends. Executive Director Brenda Ketah is leaving to join HomeAid America as its new Chief Affiliate Officer. Supporters of the Foundation surprised Ketah by attending the final Board of Directors meeting of the year in November to honor her contributions.
Ketah spent 14 years with HBF. She started in April 2011 as a part-time Executive Assistant to Executive Director Mel Duncan. She became Project Manager next, then succeeded Ken Cowdery as Executive Director starting in January 2018. Under her leadership, HBF fundraising grew dramatically, shelter projects increased, and workforce development outreach gained traction.
HBA CEO Dave Nielsen says “Brenda served well under two previous Foundation leaders before stepping into the E.D. role and helping shape its growth over the last seven years. She has been a conscientious, caring voice for HBF’s and our industry’s work to provide housing for those in need and support careers to shape brighter futures for all. I’m sad to see her go, but she leaves behind a great legacy. I’m excited for this next opportunity for her.”
During her tenure, Ketah also left her mark on HomeAid. She served as Chair of the Affiliate Advisory Committee, and on the HomeAid America Executive Committee. In her new position, she will travel throughout the country to share her wisdom with all 19 HomeAid Affiliates, and will assist with HomeAid expansion efforts. “I have loved my time with HBF over the years, and happy that I get to continue to work towards the same mission with HomeAid and work with the same wonderful people here locally and across the country.” Ketah will still be based in Portland, and she has assured us she will still be attending events such as the Building Hope Gala and Auction to keep in touch with the many friends she has made over the years.