Being of service to people, communities and the world has been the most important value of my life.
I began volunteering with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity about 30 years ago through my church. My volunteer roles included building, family selection and serving on an interfaith coalition. In 1995 I departed from a sales and marketing job for Americus Georgia to be a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity International's headquarters. In 1997 I became a full-time employee of Habitat as an Affiliate Support Manager, assigned to Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota.
After multiple promotions I ended my service with Habitat as an Organizational Development Consultant supporting many of their core programs. I created and led Habitat's evaluation of their Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in partnership with NeighborWorks America's Success Measures platform. I helped author operations and capacity building manuals and was a subject matter expert in Family Selection and Support. I presented workshops at dozens of Regional and National Habitat conferences.
I founded gmars Consulting in 2013. I've built a strong practice, with repeat engagements, and many referrals from satisfied clients. I maintain strong partnerships with Habitat state support organizations and statewide nonprofit associations.
I enjoy working with small and mid-sized nonprofits, often with a focus on housing, the environment and social justice. I love working in rural America. I've served as an interim Executive Director, and held a contract in 2018-19 as contracted staff for a homeless HUD Continuum of Care. I continue to support Habitat affiliates and have a passion for housing and homeless issues. I enjoy being a frequent trainer and acclaimed workshop presenter. I am seen at conferences locally, regionally, and nationally.
In 2015, I moved from the Midwest to Sisters, Oregon, and am enjoying an active lifestyle and exploring the Pacific Northwest. In 2016, I was honored to join the board of directors of Bethlehem Inn, the largest homeless shelter east of the Cascade mountains. In 2019 we completed a $10M capital campaign to rebuild the campus. In 2017 I helped establish a cold-weather shelter in Sisters, and continue to advocate for the homeless living here.
In 2020 after the death of George Floyd I became involved with social justice protests in Sisters. These have been some of most impressive community building experiences I have witnessed.
George and his "assistant" Lola
Macalester College, St Paul MN; BA with Honors in Music Performance and Composition; Core concentration in English, and a broad liberal arts education.
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All photography by George Myers