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October 17, 2022

Honolulu Habitat for Humanity celebrates appointment of new CEO 

(Honolulu, HI) – Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, Oahu’s foremost nonprofit affordable housing developer, has announced the appointment of TJ Joseph as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Joseph, who most recently served as Honolulu Habitat’s Chief of Staff, takes the helm at Habitat two months after Jim Murphy resigned from his position. 

“We could not have hoped for a better candidate to lead us forward” said Kaipo Kukahiko, vice president of the board of directors, “TJ brings a wealth of experience in designing affordable homeownership strategies and a profound commitment to serving Oahu’s communities. Her strategic vision and infectious passion are critical components to the success of the organization.” 

This new chapter of leadership comes at a pivotal time for Honolulu Habitat. In January, the nonprofit unveiled a 5-year strategic plan to impact Oahu’s affordable housing deficit at unprecedented scale. By 2026, the organization seeks to triple the number of families served annually. 

To many who know her, Joseph is synonymous with Honolulu Habitat. Since joining the organization in 2015, she has managed virtually every aspect of the nonprofit, including its housing programs, ReStore, construction department and administrative offices. 

Joseph also brings an uncommon perspective to her new role as CEO: that of a Habitat homeowner. 

In 2013, Joseph and her husband, Levi, partnered with Honolulu Habitat to build their family’s 3-bedroom home in Waimanalo. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, they completed construction on the house in 2014.  

“Our Habitat home is the foundation upon which my family has built our life,” says Joseph, “and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to share that opportunity with others. As a Native Hawaiian, woman executive, I am moved to lead this organization to do things we’ve never done before and seek out ways we can do more to serve the communities of Hawaii.” 

“Until the day I can drive across our island and see that no person lacks adequate shelter, our work is not done,” pledged Joseph, “but we can’t do it alone. Only when we work together is lasting change possible.” 

Joseph will oversee all operations of the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which recently built four homes in Waimanalo and Papakolea. There are currently 18 homes in the development pipeline. 

To learn more about Honolulu Habitat, donate or volunteer, visit honoluluhabitat.org. 

About Honolulu Habitat for Humanity:  

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Honolulu Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1988 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Learn more at honoluluhabitat.org

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