Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County has named Melissa Songco as its chief executive officer.
Songco has previously led development efforts for several area nonprofits, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and most recently Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, where she has been senior regional director of development and stewardship for the southeast region.
She also worked for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity as its development director from 2008-’14.
Songco assumes her new role with Habitat Waukesha on April 12.
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to Habitat for Humanity,” she said. “The mission and ministry of affordable housing is more important now than ever and is deeply rooted in who I am. Working with staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner families will be my greatest honor.”
Songco succeeds Michael Crowley,
who stepped down in January after two years in the role to take a position with the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. Director of operations Sara Clark has served as acting CEO since Crowley’s departure.
“We are delighted to welcome Melissa Songco to lead our affiliate,” said Aaron Melnarik, president of the board for Habitat Waukesha. “Melissa has a demonstrated track record as a successful nonprofit leader. Her enthusiasm for the mission of Habitat and expertise in philanthropy and community development will help us grow to serve more families in the years to come.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to acting CEO Sara Clark who will continue as director of operations for the affiliate,” Melnarik added. “Sara is an integral member of our team and did an exceptional job leading Habitat Waukesha during this transition."
Songco first worked with Habitat in 2003 as a volunteer, traveling to Zambia on the first of several Global Village Trips, before becoming its development director in 2004. Despite the economic housing recession, Songco is credited with raising the Milwaukee affiliate’s highest amount of private and public funds to date, Habitat Waukesha said.
