Habitat for Humanity of Horry County Announces New Executive Director 

Habitat for Humanity of Horry County is pleased to announce that a decision has been reached in the search for a new Executive Director. Neighborhood Revitalization Director and Interim Executive Director, Meagan Michal, has been selected for the position.

Michal originally joined Habitat for Humanity of Horry County in November of 2020 as Neighborhood Revitalization (NR) Director. During her time leading the launch of the NR program for the Horry County affiliate, Michal demonstrated the knowledge, passion, and skillset necessary to be a successful Executive Director. Under her direction in 2022, the NR program more than doubled the number of families served by Habitat for Humanity of Horry County through its Maintenance & Repair initiatives. Additionally, since the inception of the NR program, the organization’s annual funds allocated to the mission expanded by over $500,000.

“The Board of Directors at Habitat for Humanity of Horry County is thrilled about the new chapter and believes that Meagan Michal will play a crucial role in advancing our mission.” Mark Smaizys, the Board President, stated that “the search for the right individual spanned several months and attracted 170 applicants. Meagan stood out not only for her impressive leadership experience but also for her deep commitment to our cause and connection to our community.”

The search process for the position began in April 2023 and included a thorough analysis of the position description before posting the job to both national job sites and the Habitat for Humanity of Horry County affiliate website. The position was made available to internal and public candidates, attracting a diverse group of applicants comprised of local, regional, and national professionals. Of the 170 applicants, only seven met the requirements of the extensive job description and were selected for an interview.

The search committee (comprised of five Habitat for Humanity of Horry County board members and one previous board member from within the community) considered the qualifications and experience level of all applicants, before concluding that Michal had the experience and skill level necessary to be successful in the position of Executive Director

“Meagan’s passion for safe, secure housing and her innovative approach to problem-solving align perfectly with our strategic plan,” Sarah Moniz, a member of the Board search committee, shared. “During the interview process and her time as Interim Executive Director, Meagan demonstrated a clear vision for the future of Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, and we are confident in her ability to lead us toward even greater impact.”

Michal brings to the position a background that has well-prepared her for the role of Executive Director. Prior to joining Habitat for Humanity of Horry County as Neighborhood Revitalization Director, she held several positions that provided her with invaluable skills and experience. Michal has served as the Director of Foundational Programs at Tech Talent South and Co-Founded Intentional Neighbors – a real estate investment company focusing on dignified and affordable rentals, homeownership, community development, and ambitious neighboring.

“We are grateful for the many applications that we received for the Habitat for Humanity of Horry County Executive Director position, explains Angelika Senn, a previous board member and community representative on the search committee. “When comparing the skill sets and experience of the candidates who were interviewed, Meagan continued to stand out. Meagan’s knowledge of, and passion for, Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, her connection with the community and community leaders, as well as the Habitat staff and volunteer base, is impressive. Those factors, coupled with her work ethic and vision for growth, make her the best fit for the Executive Director position for our Habitat family.”

As Executive Director, Michal will work closely with Habitat’s Board of Directors which includes professionals with construction, engineering, land planning, legal, finance, real estate, media, marketing, and operations experience. Michal will lead the future mission and strategic efforts of Habitat for Humanity throughout the Horry County community.