Meet Our Team

CHAD JOHNSON, executive director
Chad joined CMHFH in June of 2021. He has over ten years of Nonprofit experience and has deep local roots and a passion for Central Minnesota. Chad is excited to lead CMHFH into the future and serve as a Beacon of HOPE and STABILITY through providing SAFE, AFFORDABLE, and DECENT housing to those in need.
 
Chad grew up in St. Cloud, MN, and currently resides in St. Joseph, MN, with his wife (Jacki), and four children (Sophie, William, Charlotte, and Katie). In his free time, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, running, watching the Vikings, reading, listening to podcasts, and finishing up his MBA from St. Cloud State University.


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MARIE GERTKEN, administrator
Marie has been working with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity since 2005, in addition to her work with several local businesses. She has over 25 years of experience in bookkeeping and administration for small businesses.
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Marie lives in Holdingford, less then 15 miles from the farm that she grew up on in central Stearns County. She has spent most of her life in rural Stearns County and appreciates the opportunity to help others in the area achieve their goal of homeownership. Marie enjoys gardening and cooking, mostly in the style of her German heritage.

​EILEEN BITZAN, client and homeowner services
Eileen has served for 13 years with area nonprofit organizations in roles such as as program director, outreach coordinator, and volunteer coordinator. Prior to that, she worked as an administrator in student development at the College of St. Benedict. Eileen has three adult children and enjoys biking, hiking, and reading in her free time.

​ART BUHS, construction manager
Art has been building for 47 years and operated a successful residential homebuilding business for 27 years. He also previously served on the CMHFH Board of Directors and Construction Committee. Art enjoys spending time with his wife, their three sons, and 8 grandchildren. He and his family stay busy managing several small businesses.

KRIS LEHMAN, faith and donor relations
Kris Lehman joined Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity in August 2011. Having worked as the Missions Coordinator at Atonement Lutheran Church, her connections with local churches and non-profits have been helpful to her in her role.

Social justice, advocacy and compassion for the homeless, hungry and marginalized are important to Kris. She appreciates that Habitat empowers families and provides a long-term sustainable solution, through affordable homeownership. She holds a bachelors degree in Elementary and Phys Ed from Concordia College in Moorhead, and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, walking, biking, and volunteering. She and her husband Greg have three adult children.

JESSICA MACY, office manager
Jessica’s background is in accounting and analysis, and she is excited to apply that experience at Habitat. The core values of partnership and empowerment resonate especially well with her desire to see people come together in the community. Jessica lives in Sauk Rapids, and enjoys reading, knitting, and spending time with friends and family.

    ASHLEY OGAJA, Volunteer Coordinator
    Ashley joined CMHFH in August of 2021. Ashley is happy to help families in our community get affordable
    housing and loves working with our volunteers. In the past Ashley worked as an Administrative
    Assistant/Database Support. Ashley lives in Saint Joseph, MN with her husband (Eddy), and two
    children (Malik & Kiana). Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and hiking.
    

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