Our Team


The Housing for New Hope Team

Russell Pierce | Executive Director
A North Carolina native who has lived and served in seven states and the United Kingdom, Russ became executive director of Housing for New Hope in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. He was previously an executive with Church World Service, the ecumenical relief, development, and refugee services agency, including serving as national head of the CROP Hunger Walks. He also served as an executive with the United Methodist Church’s mission, relief, and development agency, Global Ministries/UMCOR, including serving as Director of the Advance. One of the oldest crowd-funding platforms in the country, the Advance raises $40-50 million annually in more than 100 countries.
Leadership Team
Shanta Addison, Director of Client Services
Rikki Gardner, Senior Manager for Compliance & Performance Management
Matt Hjelmhaug, Director of Finance & Administration
Tamaira Johnson, Manager of Human Resources and Finance
Terri Hegeman, Director of Development & Engagement

Street Outreach
Rebecca Bourgeois, Program Manager
Dante Johnson, Housing Stability Coordinator
Erwin Baker, Engagement Specialist
Jennette Mehta, Engagement Specialist
Sabrina Green, Engagement Specialist
Dalya Robinson, Street Outreach Intern

Campus-based Supportive Housing
Demetria Benjamin, Housing Stability Coordinator

Property Management Team 
Kendrah Freeman, Property Manager
Benjamin Biggs, Facilities & Operations Specialist
Joseph Perry, Facilities & Operations Specialist

Community-based Supportive Housing
Ezza Alam, Program Manager
Kristin Rogers, Senior Housing Stability Coordinator
Taris Bogarty-Minor, Housing Stability Coordinator
Shanee Adams, Housing Stability Coordinator
Terry Rogers III, Housing Navigation Specialist
Sharon M. Howell, Housing Navigation Specialist
Iknesha Snipes, Peer Support Specialist

Finance & Administration
Matt Hjelmhaug, Director of Finance & Administration
Tamaira Johnson, Manager of Human Resources and Finance
Jaclyn Derham, Accountant

Development & Engagement
Doretha Huntley, Administrative Specialist
Courtney Surles, Housing Partnership Specialist
Matthew Jenkins, Community Engagement Intern

Our Board

Erica Maddox
Board Chair
Manager
Family Economic Independence
Durham County Department of Social Services

Thomas Wilson Williams
Vice Chair
Assistant Professor of Law
American University

Derek Williams
Secretary
Capital Development Associate
Self Help Credit Union

Rev. Robert Kaynor
Treasurer
Board Member Emeritus
Chair, Finance Committee
Episcopal Priest (Retired)

Martha Arango
Architect/Designer
Small Business Owner
Dawn Bland
Office Madam
Center Studio Architecture

Chris Breslin
Lead Pastor
Oak Church


Lizzy Hazeltine
Chair, Development & Engagement Committee
Growth Consultant
EHazeltine, LLC

Angela Holmes
Diversion Specialist Case Manager
VOA

Jeff Marko, CPA
Partner
DMJPS, PLLC


Jarvis Martin
Chair, Real Estate Development Committee
Principal
Stewart, Martin, & McCoy

Chris Tuttle
Chair, Governance Committee
Lead Pastor
Westminster Presbyterian Church

Rev. Elizabeth Howze
Director of the Academy of Teaching, Training, and Learning
The Ormond Center, Duke University




Careers

Working at Housing for New Hope
Founded in 1992, Housing for New Hope is a key partner in Durham, North Carolina's commitment to end homelessness. Join our team and help us connect our neighbors to housing and hope.

To Apply
Download the Housing for New Hope employment application and send with your resume and cover letter.

Current Openings
Property Operations and Accounting Specialist
Housing Stability Coordinator