April 2, 2018
Last Thursday we said, “Adios! Arrivederci! Auf Wiedersehen! Sayonara! See you soon!” to our longtime CFO, Bill Alexander (pictured here). Bill’s last day with Habitat was spent doing his favorite things, lunching with staff on Old South BBQ and enjoying a farewell reception with friends and associates. We know the he is not going far but we will miss his smiling face and dry sense of humor. We wish Bill all of God’s blessing as he begins this new chapter of his life! Thank you Bill for your commitment and service to the mission of Habitat! Enjoy your retirement!
A few questions for Bill Alexander:
When did you start working at NWMAHFH? 9/19/2005
Why did you choose NWMAHFH to work for? I was unhappy in previous position and was impressed with the concept of Habitat.
What have you enjoyed most about your role with NWMAHFH? Getting to know the homeowners and seeing the impact on their children.
What has been the biggest change that you have seen in your tenure? The development of the homes from basic to homes with a lot of character and curb appeal.
Can you share one of your funniest moments? Probably some of the phone calls I’ve received on my cell phone (which is the emergency number on the front door) wanting to know when we were going to open (wanted the restore) wanting me to let them in because they were late for a family services meeting (that had said very clearly in their letter that if you were late they wouldn’t let you in) wondering why no one was there for a meeting (that had taken place the night before).
What about one of the most meaningful moments? Many times, a homeowner has been ready to give up and return their home during times of hardship. I have been able to convince them to hang on a little longer and save their home.
Also, one homeowner came in to pay off her mortgage. When she learned that the payoff amount was much lower than the amount she expected, she took the additional money she had saved for payoff and donated it to Habitat “to help the next family.” That and other instances of our homeowners’ pay-it-forward attitude and generous spirit has made working here greatly fulfilling.
What would you like to say to the people you served, our homeowners? It has been my pleasure to get to know so many of you and to realize the trust and confidence many of you have had in me over the years.
Other words of wisdom? Our homeowners have been blessed by God in receiving their homes. Take care of that blessing and let it be a blessing to your family for years to come.
What are your retirement plans? I plan to start walking/hiking a lot more, as I did in the past. I also am looking forward to sleeping in later and taking short road trips.
What will you miss the most about working here? The many friends I have made with staff, homeowners, and outside business contacts.