During their last meeting on May 22, 2012, the Board of Directors for non-profit organization, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity tapped Jennifer Smith to join the team. The Vice President and Director of Project Management for Brand Mortgage is energized by the appointment and feels she will prove a good match thanks to her history with a number of programs, her experience in the mortgage banking industry, and her long-standing role as a single mom.

“I was looking for a way to get involved in something beyond work and family,” explained Smith. “As a single mom, I have been fortunate enough to have received help along the way.   I want to pay it forward and help others. I can’t think of a better way to do that than through Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity. I was born and raised in Snellville, and have always lived in Gwinnett. I like the idea of building houses for families who deserve a home and helping them become self-sufficient. Since some of the families Habitat for Humanity helps are comprised of single moms and their children – this is a cause that is particularly close to my heart.”

Smith has been appointed to the Family Selection Committee for the Gwinnett-based organization. Established in 1988, the organizers for Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity hoped to emulate on a local level a similar success to that of Habitat for Humanity International, which has provided housing for more than a million people worldwide. In the 24 years since it was founded, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity partnerships with local businesses, churches, and volunteers from all walks of life have constructed more than 110 new homes, and put over 250 children in Gwinnett County schools.

While Smith is new to Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, she is no stranger to taking part in community-driven organizations. Most recently, she chaired Grayson’s Starling Elementary School campaign for an Outdoor Classroom through Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful. Construction is already underway, and expected to be complete in time for the students’ return in Fall 2012. She also chairs the Couch Middle School PTSA Legislative Committee and was selected as a participant in the Georgia Future Leaders Program through the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia.

To learn more about Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, sign up to volunteer, or make an online donation, please visit www.habitatgwinnett.org.