05/08/2026
We are grateful for Mary Shearer’s leadership of our Kentucky affiliate support organization and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement. We are also excited for the continued strong leadership coming to Kentucky Habitat for Humanity with the announcement of Heath Duncan taking the torch and leading us forward!
IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP UPDATE
FROM KY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
The board of directors of KY Habitat for Humanity would like to announce that after 22 years of dedicated service, Mary Shearer has decided to retire as our Executive Director, effective June 30, 2026.
We are confident that our team and dedicated supporters will ensure our programs continue to thrive now and in the future.
Please join the board in thanking Mary for her service and welcoming Heath Duncan as the new executive director of Kentucky Habitat for Humanity. Heath will begin his new duties on May 15, 2026.
Heath Duncan is a nonprofit executive with 20 years of leadership experience in affordable housing, community development, and organizational management. Since 2007, he has served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region, where he leads a multi-county organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing through the development of safe, affordable homes. Under his leadership, the affiliate expanded from a single-county operation into a regional organization serving three counties, while also supporting construction efforts in additional counties through strategic partnerships with corporate donors and government agencies.
Heath works closely with board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure effective program delivery and long-term sustainability. He maintains strong relationships across the Kentucky Habitat for Humanity affiliate network and has collaborated extensively on statewide advocacy efforts and cohesive messaging initiatives. His leadership at the national level includes service with Habitat for Humanity International, where he is a member of the Affiliate Enhancement Committee and a co-facilitator of a Community of Practice focused on strengthening affiliate board governance.
Beyond Habitat for Humanity, Heath has held numerous statewide and regional leadership roles, including Secretary of the Kentucky Habitat for Humanity Board, Chair of the Pennyrile Housing Corporation Board, and past President of the Hopkins County Home Builders Association. He also co-chaired the Hopkins County Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group following the Quad State Tornado. Currently, he serves as Vice President and President-Elect of the Madisonville Noon Kiwanis. Heath is recognized for his collaborative, mission-driven leadership and his commitment to strengthening communities across Kentucky.
This change in executive leadership is accompanied by new leadership at the board level as well. Scott Turner will replace Heath as secretary, Zach Worsham has assumed the vice-president position, and Brenda Weaver. Has assumed the position of president. We are all looking forward to working with Heath in this new role and express our sincerest thanks to Mary for her years of dedication and commitment to KY Habitat.
