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Habitat’s Evolving Business Model with Laura Belcher
TOPIC: Habitat’s Evolving Business Model
SPEAKER: Laura Belcher, President/CEO Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte Region
Founded locally 42 years ago, Habitat Charlotte Region has built over 1500 new homes and served over 5000 families. In recent years, as land availability becomes scarce and building material costs escalate, Habitat has looked at how it needs to evolve to meet the rising demand for affordable homeownership options.
Join this presentation to hear how Habitat has moved from homebuilder to neighborhood developer while also preserving aging housing inventory and preparing future homeowners through financial education. As one of the largest affiliates in the US, Habitat Charlotte Region’s $65million operation continues to look for ways to transform and intensify its impact.
BIOGRAPHY
Laura Belcher joined Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region in 2014 as President & CEO. During her leadership, the organization has seen nearly a 400% increase in families served through new homeownership, critical home repairs and financial education programming. Laura has led the organization through 2 strategic mergers in the past 5 years, expanding programming into Iredell and Gaston Counties. 2023 provided a career highlight as Habitat Charlotte Region hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project building 27 homes in a week with 3800 volunteers.
Laura spent the first 20 years of her career in corporate roles with Arthur Andersen, Wachovia Securities and Transamerica. Laura was a CPA, graduated from the College of William and Mary, and spent 9 years in nonprofit work as CFO/COO of the Arts & Science Council prior to joining Habitat.
Laura is on the Catapult Employers Association Board of Directors and chairs the Governance Committee. Laura is a member of Women Executives and International Women’s Forum. Her recent recognitions include 2025 Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 influential leaders, 2024 Charlotte Woman of the Year and Business NC 2024 Power List as one of the most influential leaders in non-profits and philanthropies.
