Management BiosCape Fear Habitat for Humanity
Management Bios
Executive Director
Lauren McKenzie, CPA, joined CFHFH in June 2017 and was initially hired as the Controller
which evolved into the Director of Finance and Operations. In April 2021, she was promoted to
Executive Director. Lauren is responsible for CFHFH’s overall management and organizational
development. She ensures that CFHFH’s activities (including retail, construction, critical home
repair, mortgage lending, and social service) complement one another and support CFHFH’s
mission to provide and preserve home ownership opportunities to families with low and
moderate incomes.
Lauren is native to North Carolina and grew up in Huntersville (located on the outskirts of the
Charlotte metropolitan area). She attended North Carolina State University where she received
her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting. Lauren worked for Dixon Hughes
Goodman, LLP in Winston-Salem, NC and after relocating to Wilmington in 2012, she worked
for Adam Shay CPA, PLLC. As an accountant, Lauren gained experience in financial analysis
and strategic planning for both individual and corporate clients. At CFHFH, she finds that every
day is a new adventure, and she enjoys working with its staff, Board, volunteers, and Partner
Families to make the Cape Fear region a place where everyone has a sustainable and
affordable place to live.
Director of Construction
Esmond Anderson joined CFHFH in 2001. He is a licensed general contractor. As Director of
Construction, his responsibilities include oversight of all aspects of CFHFH’S home-building and
critical home repair programs, including integration of volunteers and homeowners into the
construction process, and management of the Construction Manager, Rebuild Manager,
Construction Administrator, and subcontractors employed to complete the requisite electrical,
plumbing and roofing work. He has overseen the construction and repair of more than 300
homes at CFHFH.
Esmond was born, raised, and lives in Pender County. He graduated from Pender High School
and has continued his education with courses and certifications related to construction offered
by Habitat for Humanity International and others. He has many years of experience in
residential construction and has been a licensed general contractor since 1995.