Habitat for Humanity–MidOhio announces the appointment of Brandi Braun AL-Issa as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. AL-Issa will replace E.J. Thomas, who announced his plans to step down in late 2023.
Columbus, OH (April 9, 2024) — Today, Habitat for Humanity–MidOhio announced that, following an extensive search, they have appointed Brandi Braun AL-Issa to be their next President and Chief Executive Officer. Brandi’s first day will be May 13, 2024.
Brandi brings a unique skill set and leadership ethos that will be instrumental in helping develop the next iteration of Habitat’s strategic direction, which will continue to position the affiliate as a leader in solving the region’s affordable housing crisis. She joins Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio from The YMCA of Central Ohio, where she serves as the Chief Advancement and Strategy Officer leading strategy, board administration, government relations, and communications. Prior to the YMCA, Brandi spent seventeen years in service to central Ohio in state and local government roles. Brandi has a Master of Public Administration and is an adjunct instructor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
The Board is excited about the energy, passion, and experience Brandi brings to the President and CEO role. Her relationships in the community will be a great asset as she builds on E.J.’s work to take the Affiliate to its next level of service and impact in providing much needed affordable housing to the central Ohio region. – Mike Copella, Habitat MidOhio Board Chair
Brandi will replace E.J. Thomas, who is stepping away from the affiliate at the end of May after nearly 20 years of dedicated service. E.J. led tremendous growth and impact in Franklin, Licking, and Madison counties elevating Habitat MidOhio into the top tier of affiliates nationwide.
A generous central Ohio community providing substantial support to our Habitat affiliate over the years enabled us to be at the forefront of addressing area housing needs in meaningful ways for our partner families. Such consistent backing was pivotal in establishing a firm foundation for increased growth, and I look forward to seeing the organization’s continued success under Brandi’s leadership. – E.J. Thomas, Pres. & CEO.
Contacts:
Michael Copella, Habitat for Humanity – MidOhio, Board Chair
614-546-9069
Jami Keller, Habitat for Humanity – MidOhio, CDO
614-484-1868
About Habitat for Humanity – MidOhio
Affordable, decent housing is one of our most basic human needs, yet it is in alarmingly short supply in our very own neighborhoods and throughout the world. A decent place to call home creates stability, launching families onto a positive trajectory of generational change that includes hope, improved health, and a better quality of life.
Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio has spent more than 36 years bringing the dream of homeownership to families in need. Over the course of its history, Habitat MidOhio has rekindled hope for more than 950 families through new home construction, rehabs, and home repairs.
For more information, please visit www.HabitatMidOhio.org.
