New Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley (HFHNRV) announces a leadership transition marked by deep gratitude, stability, and continued commitment to its mission of ensuring that everyone has a decent, safe, and affordable place to live.
After serving as Executive Director, Jim Drader will step down to begin a new chapter with Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity, allowing him to be closer to his family. During his tenure, HFHNRV expanded its reach, strengthened partnerships, and advanced innovative housing solutions throughout the New River Valley.
In a message shared with the organization’s donor base Drader expressed deep appreciation: “Serving alongside you in support of families across the New River Valley has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Together, we have built safe, affordable homes, strengthened neighborhoods, and created opportunities for stability and hope. None of this would have been possible without your generosity, partnership, and unwavering belief in our mission.”
Under his leadership, the affiliate strengthened its ReStore operations, expanded its Critical Repair programming, and advanced new construction initiatives, including the highly anticipated 11-Unit Townhome Project in Blacksburg, which represents a significant investment in workforce housing and long-term community stability.
Jonathan Vandergrift Named Executive Director HFHNRV is pleased to announce that Jonathan Vandergrift will assume the role of Executive Director effective March 25, 2026. Vandergrift has served as Director of Operations for the past two years, previously contributing in a finance capacity and as a longterm repair volunteer. He brings operational expertise, financial stewardship, and a deep passion for affordable housing solutions.
“Jonathan has a strong commitment to community collaboration and a heart for service,” Drader shared in his donor message. “I have every confidence that under his leadership, Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley will continue to grow, innovate, and serve even more families in need.”
Jonathan expressed enthusiasm for the future of HFHNRV: “It is an incredible honor to serve as Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley. Every family deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated volunteers, partners, and supporters to expand our impact, strengthen our community partnerships, and help more families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. Together, we will continue building not just houses but also hope and opportunity for generations to come.”
The HFHNRV Board of Directors affirms that this transition reflects organizational strength and continuity. The affiliate’s experienced staff, engaged board, dedicated volunteers, and faithful donors remain fully aligned around the mission.
Stability, Growth, and Mission Focus
Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley continues to move forward with:
• Advancement of the 11-Unit Townhome Project in Blacksburg
• Ongoing Critical Repair efforts supporting aging homeowners
• Strong ReStore operations in Christiansburg
• Strategic partnerships across the New River Valley region
The organization emphasizes that this transition is thoughtful, collaborative, and missioncentered. “Business as usual” remains the focus, building, repairing, and strengthening homes and communities.
Drader concludes: “Thank you for the trust you have placed in Habitat and in me. I am profoundly grateful for the relationships we have built and the lives we have impacted together. I look forward to seeing this organization continue to succeed.”
Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley invites the community to continue supporting its work and to extend the same generous encouragement and partnership to Jonathan Vandergrift as he assumes leadership.
