Resumes of Management Staff
Serving New Hanover, Pender, and Duplin Counties
New Hanover County
Workforce Housing Services Program Proposal
Resumes of staff who will manage the project:
3310 Fredrickson Road
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.762.4744
capefearhabitat.org
Executive Director
Lauren McKenzie, CPA, joined Cape Fear Habitat in June 2017 and was initially hired as
the Controller. Her position later evolved into the Director of Finance and Operations.
She maintains her CPA license and was recognized as one of 40 Under 40 by the
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce in 2021. In April 2021, she was promoted to
Executive Director. Lauren is responsible for overall management and organizational
development. She ensures that Cape Fear Habitat’s activities (including retail,
construction, critical home repair, mortgage lending, and social service) complement
one another and support our mission to provide and preserve affordable housing.
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. 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
Cape Fear Habitat, 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 Cape Fear Habitat in 2001. He is a licensed general contractor.
As Director of Construction, his responsibilities include oversight of all aspects of Cape
Fear Habitat’s home-building and critical home repair programs. This includes the
integration of volunteers and homeowners into the construction process and
management of the Construction Manager, Repair Manager, Construction
Administrator, and electrical, plumbing, and roofing subcontractors. Under his
leadership, we have continued to grow and expand our impact while navigating
challenges such as hurricanes, the pandemic, rapidly rising material costs, and supply
chain issues. He has continued to increase the number of homes built and renovated,
serving more families each year. He has overseen the construction and repair of more
than 300 homes at Cape Fear Habitat. 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.
Board of Directors
Cape Fear Habitat’s governing board is comprised of experienced community leaders
committed to our sound financial management and increasing our ability to provide
affordable housing. Eight committees comprised of board and community members also
meet regularly to provide input on our varied operational areas.