Alachua Habitat for Humanity Welcomes Jessica Parrish as New Chief Executive Officer

Alachua Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce the appointment of Jessica Parrish as its new Chief Executive Officer. Parrish brings more than 20 years of leadership in affordable housing, community development, and nonprofit management to the role.

Prior to joining Alachua Habitat, Parrish served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The Lord’s Place, where she managed a $17 million budget and oversaw operations for 11 housing developments and more than 50 properties serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. She previously served as President & CEO of United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee, leading a merger and raising over $1.3 million annually to advance housing, education, and health equity.

Her career also includes leadership roles in community housing programs, compliance, and rehabilitation services. Known for her ability to guide organizations through growth and transition, Parrish has secured multimillion-dollar funding, strengthened cross-sector partnerships, and built inclusive, high-performing teams.

Parrish holds a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to Alachua Habitat,” said Kristine Thompson, Interim Executive Director. “As I transition back to my longtime role as Family Services Director, I’m excited to see her leadership take our mission even further. Her expertise and passion for affordable housing will strengthen our impact and help even more families achieve the dream of homeownership in Alachua County.”

Founded in 1986, Alachua Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We envision a world where everyone has a decent place to live and we work towards that vision by bringing people together to build strength, stability, and independence through shelter. To accomplish these goals, we invite people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Alachua Habitat has built 192 homes in the local community. Habitat houses are sold to homeowner families financed with mortgages they can afford. For more information visit www.alachuahabitat.org.