Succession planning is often avoided because it’s uncomfortable. This session is designed to make the conversation practical and approachable, covering everything from the proverbial “hit by the bus” scenario to planned transitions and long‑term leadership development. Succession planning isn’t just about staff; it always involves boards as well. In smaller and mid‑sized organizations, this matters even more because so much knowledge and responsibility rests with fewer people, and boards are often more hands‑on, making an unexpected board absence especially disruptive. For that reason, this session looks at succession across the Executive Director, other mission‑critical staff, board officers, and key volunteer leaders who are central to Habitat operations. Particular attention is given to the board’s responsibility to step in and execute during leadership transitions, alongside the continuity of mission‑critical volunteer roles. Participants will work through short‑, medium‑, and long‑term succession scenarios, explore key decision points such as Acting (internal) versus Interim (external) leadership, and leave with sample policies and board‑level discussion tools they can use immediately.
This session highlights real‑world HR strategies that help organizations attract, support, and retain top talent. It will cover practical insights on compensation, competitive and creative benefits, and the “must‑have” offerings that matter most in today’s workforce. Participants will gain adaptable, actionable steps they can implement immediately to strengthen their employee experience and build a workplace where staff feel valued and supported.
This roundtable brings together staff who support communications and community engagement to share practical approaches and compare experiences. A moderator will guide the first hour with broad questions related to outreach, storytelling, and public presence. The final 30 minutes will shift to small‑group networking and discussion, supported by on‑screen prompts. Participants will leave with peer‑tested ideas they can adapt to strengthen their community connections.
Train the Trainer: Financial Literacy & Path to Homeownership Looking for engaging, ready-to-use homebuyer education resources for your affiliate? Join Habitat for Humanity Texas for an interactive train-the-trainer session designed to equip staff and volunteers with practical tools to support future homeowners.
Participants will receive an overview of the financial literacy and homebuyer education resources available through Habitat Texas, including curriculum materials, online learning tools, and implementation support. The session will also provide a guided walkthrough of the new in-person Path to Homeownership course, covering key topics such as money management, preparing for homeownership, the homebuying process, closing on a home, and long-term homeowner success.
Attendees will explore hands-on activities, simulations, and facilitation strategies that can be used to increase participant engagement and improve learning outcomes. Whether you are new to homebuyer education or looking to strengthen your existing program, this session will provide practical resources and ideas you can take back to your affiliate and begin using right away.
Instructional Design Intern, Habitat for Humanity Texas
Sarah White is an educator and instructional designer with experience in curriculum development, adult learning, and online education. She serves as an Instructional Design Intern with Habitat for Humanity Texas, where she develops homebuyer education, financial literacy, and Train-the-Trainer... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT Heritage 8
This Strategic Dialogue Session creates space for staff and leaders to engage in open, thoughtful conversation about several sensitive and mission‑shaping issues that affiliates navigate in their work. Because these topics require time and reflection, they are divided across two sessions. In this first discussion, participants will explore approaches to sweat equity, charging interest, expressions of faith and prayer, and strengthening board impact. The session is open to all attendees and is especially valuable for those involved in policy, program design, or organizational decision‑making. Attendance at Session #2 is encouraged but not required.
Chief Executive Officer, Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity
LaJuan (LJ) Gordon is the Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity, serving Gregg, Harrison, and Upshur counties, headquartered in Longview, TX. She has twenty-five years of experience in the non-profit industry, including executive leadership, consulting... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT Heritage 3
This session offers construction staff an opportunity to exchange practical insights on the day‑to‑day realities of building and site operations. The first hour will feature a moderator‑led discussion using broad questions relevant to construction workflows, planning, and field practices. In the final 30 minutes, participants will break into small groups for networking and deeper conversation, guided by on‑screen prompts. The session is designed to surface real‑world strategies that support efficient, safe, and mission‑aligned construction work.
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT Heritage 2
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi
Ben Molina is the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi, where he leads efforts to expand affordable homeownership and strengthen communities across the Coastal Bend. A longtime Habitat volunteer, donor, board member, and former Board President, Ben brings a deep... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT Heritage 6
