Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity (GLHFH) announced Thomas Szulanczyk as executive director. He succeeds Alice Schuster, who held the post for two and a half years. Szulanczyk comes to GLHFH with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

After retiring from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Szulanczyk began his nonprofit career in 2008 as the executive director of the American Red Cross of Upper Northumberland County. He subsequently served in that capacity at the Sun Area and the Northcentral Chapters. In 2014 he became the executive director of the newly consolidated 10-county northcentral Pennsylvania chapter. A native of Lewisburg, Szulanczyk earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.

A news release said GLHFH is sad to see longtime board member and retiring board chair, Greg Bell, leave the Williamsport community.

This summer Bell and his family will be relocating. “I’d like to take a moment to thank Greg for his service as chair of the board and board member. He has been instrumental in shaping the future of this organization, and we will miss him greatly. We wish he and his family the best on their next chapter,” said Kelsey Boyles, program director.

“On behalf of the board of directors I would like to officially welcome Tom aboard at GLHFH. We are confident that Tom’s diverse background, and non-profit experience will serve our community well. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Alice Shuster and Greg Bell for their leadership over the years. Both Alice and Greg were vital in guiding GLHFH to the success’s we’ve shared as well as positioning us well for the future,” stated Garrett Sanner, board chair.

Sanner, regional president at Jersey Shore State Bank, will be stepping into the board chair position. He brings over 15 years of expertise in the financial industry and a long history of supporting local nonprofits to the role and has served on the board for a year. Kristen Avery, HR and benefits coordinator at Lycoming Engines, has been elected as vice president of the board. She provides over 15 years of human resources knowledge and active community service experience.

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible financial and material donations, Habitat builds modest, affordable houses together with the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable no-interest loans. Additionally, the affiliate operates a ReStore that sells donated items at deeply discounted prices.

“Although the ReStore is currently closed, the store is a great resource for a range of hardware items to appliances, building materials and home furnishings,” the news release said. Proceeds from each sale help to support our home builds in your community. “Please consider us during your Spring cleaning and put aside items to donate to us when we reopen. We will be offering free pickup once we resume normal business hours (570)322-2515.”