Subscribe!
Sign up for our mailing list and:
- Keep abreast of our upcoming events!
- Stay up-to-date on latest volunteer activities!
- Stay informed on our latest news!
Upcoming Construction
Recent Photos
|
|
Staff
Jim Farr, Executive Director
Dr. Jim Farr began his work as Executive Director in 2010, and has fun working with the community. As Habitat’s main spokesperson, he strives to educate people about its mission, purpose, operations, and the many opportunities for partnership.
Growing up alongside his father in construction, Jim learned a lot and worked himself through school with a job in the industry. He became a medical doctor in St. Paul, went into the business side of things, started a company then worked at 3M for 24 years.
Jim moved to River Falls 25 years ago and has volunteered locally for civic commissions and as a youth-sports coach. After retiring from 3M, he thought about getting involved with a non-profit organization and soon after heard about the Habitat job.
The new director wants to operate openly, transparently and with a consistent message. With countywide foreclosure numbers and poverty growing, Habitat’s mission to build affordable housing becomes even more important.
Pete Morsch, Resource Development Manager
SCVHFH welcomed Pete Morsch to its staff as the Resource Development Manager in 2011. Supported with a Capacity Building Grant from Habitat for Humanity International, Pete oversees development activities from grant writing and donation solicitation to volunteer recruitment and outreach.
He comes to the affiliate with broad experience in the non-profit sector, beginning with work at an affiliate in Seattle and swinging hammers with Americorps. He has also served on fundraising teams at a regional food bank as well as youth- and community-development organizations. An energized board and a crew of incredible volunteers will support his work for program improvement and expansion.
Debbie Murtha, Office Manager
Debbie Murtha has worked as SCVHFH’s full-time Office Coordinator for nearly four years! To Habitat’s good fortune, Debbie answered the call for an office expert who can juggle a lot of tasks and wear many hats.
She grew up in River Falls, attended UW-River Falls and worked 12 years managing a New Richmond builder’s office. Besides managing a retail store earlier in her career, Debbie taught school for a year in the Academy building, Habitat’s former office location.
She and husband Mike have been married 36+ years and have three, adult children.
Debbie works hard doing it all, from processing homeowner payments and organizing volunteers to answering phones and helping applicants.
Joel Palmquist, Construction Manager
Anyone volunteering at a build site knows Joel Palmquist, SCVHFH’s full-time construction-site supervisor. He had been helping Habitat for many years before accepting the position formally in 2008.
A carpenter and former university employee, he began volunteering to build Habitat houses 27 years ago after a couple he heard speak at church uprooted themselves to start a Habitat in Utah. Their actions inspired him.
Besides volunteering for most builds in St. Croix Valley, he also served on the board and chaired the construction committee. Joel says he enjoys seeing everyone work as a team and that the homes make a big difference in people’s lives, especially children’s.
His duties consist of leading home construction, partnering with volunteers, donors and materials suppliers to keep construction moving!
Andy Scheiderer, ReStore Manager
Andy joined SCVHFH in March 2010 to create and manage the New Richmond HFH ReStore.
Opening six weeks later, the 10,000 square foot store has grown steadily month by month with the help of many dedicated volunteers, a visionary committee and a staff of four. Andy's educational background is in philosophy and law, along with career adventures in farming, golf and business ownership have resulted in the perfect combination of helping customers enjoy their shopping experience, and providing funding to build affordable housing in Pierce and St.Croix counties. He lives in North Hudson with his wife, two children and two dogs.
Habitat also has a vibrant and committed Board of Directors.
