Since 2023, local leaders have come together to raise walls, funds and awareness of the need for affordable housing through the Habitat CEO Build.
This unique initiative brings together CEOs and Presidents for two days of hands-on building and collaboration. This year, Habitat for Humanity CEO Build will focus on constructing a home for the Ahmed family from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 11-12, according to a press release.
“I am honored to serve alongside my co-chair, Robert Shegog, and to work with our local Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity team on the 2026 CEO Build, Mary Beth Oakes, co-chair of the 2026 CEO Build, said in a statement. “Home ownership provides more than a roof overhead…it creates a foundation for family security, economic stability, and opportunity.”
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Since 1987, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity has provided more than 900 regional homes, more than 350 home repairs, and more than 700 international housing solutions in El Salvador and Kenya. Serving Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, and Shelby Counties, Habitat provides access to education, home construction, and 0% interest mortgages for low- to moderate-income buyers to purchase a home without being cost-burdened.
Each Habitat homeowner completes financial literacy and home maintenance classes, in addition to building their future home. Every safe, affordable home creates a wider change, opening the door to better health, education and economic growth, according to a press release.
These leaders learn from each other, connect across industries, and take action by helping first-time homebuyers build a brighter future for their families, according to a press release.
“Affordable housing remains one of the most important challenges facing our communities, and it will take all of us—business leaders, nonprofits, community advocates, and neighbors—working together to create lasting impact,” Co-chair Robert Shegog said.
In addition to rolling up their sleeves on the build site, participants are also working to raise $75,000 to support the construction of the home and further Habitat’s mission of providing more affordable housing opportunities.
Thursday, June 11th
- Mary Beth Oakes – CEO & Owner, Business Furniture + Co. (CEO Build Co-Chair)
- Aleesia Johnson – Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
- Ansty Beau – President, Stenz
- Ben Seal – Founder & President, The Flatland
- Bob Kort – President & CEO, Kort Builders, Inc
- Brandon Taylor – Executive Director, LISC Indianapolis
- Doug Elmore – Board President, BAGI
- Janmarie Connor – President & CEO, Connor Painting
- Jim Morris – President & CEO, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity
- Jimmy Rayford – CEO, Dealers Wholesale
- John Hirschman – President & CEO, Browning Real Estate Partners
- Kelli Lawrence – CEO, Onyx & East
- Kevin Hunt – President & CEO, Shiel Sexton
- Larry Smith – President & CEO, Father’s & Families
- Mike Cunningham – Founder & CEO, Cunningham Restaurant Group
- Mike Roszkowski – President, Williams Comfort Air/Mr. Plumber
- Moawia & Ikhlass Ahmed – Habitat Homebuyers
Friday, June 12th
- Robert Shegog – President & CEO, Recorder Media Group (CEO Build Co-Chair)
- Ben Weir – President, Current Publishing
- Chris Hancock – CEO, BAGI
- Dave Ilardi – President, Allegion Americas
- Dennis Murphy – President & CEO, IU Health
- Derek Groves – President & CEO, Community Health Network Foundation
- Fred Payne – CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
- Gina Miller – President & CEO, INHP
- Jan Lorenzano – CEO & Principal, Bright Ideas
- Jeffrey A. Harrison – President and CEO, Citizens Energy Group
- Jim Morris – President & CEO, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity
- Ken Britt- Chancellor, Marian University
- Lindsay S. Fernandez – President, Charles C. Brandt Construction Co.
- Matt Mindrum – President & CEO, Indy Chamber
- Timothy Harris II – Managing Director, H&F Logistics
- Moawia & Ikhlass Ahmed – Habitat Homebuyers
For more information or to get involved, visit indyhabitat.org.
