Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County Names Melissa E. Songco as New CEO, Songco Returns Home to
Songco, who has nearly a decade of prior Habitat work experience, has also held leadership roles at some of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. She will replace outgoing CEO, Michael Crowley.
“We are delighted to welcome Melissa Songco to lead our affiliate,” said Aaron Melnarik, President of the Board for Habitat Waukesha. “Melissa has a demonstrated track record as a successful nonprofit leader. Her enthusiasm for the mission of Habitat and expertise in philanthropy and community development will help us grow to serve more families in the years to come.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to acting CEO Sara Clark who will continue as Director of Operations for the affiliate. Sara is an integral member of our team and did an exceptional job leading Habitat Waukesha during this transition,” said Melnarik. “We are really excited to see what Melissa, Sara, and the rest of the Habitat team will accomplish together. In addition, I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Directors who worked tirelessly to find a CEO as qualified as Melissa.”
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to Habitat for Humanity,” said Songco. “The mission and ministry of affordable housing is more important now than ever and is deeply rooted in who I am. Working with staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner families will be my greatest honor.”
Songco first worked with Habitat for Humanity in 2003 as a volunteer, traveling to Zambia on the first of many Global Village Trips. Songco later served as the Development Director at the Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity for six years. Despite the economic housing recession, she led Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity in raising its highest amount of private and public funds ever. Her outstanding work was recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal, which honored Songco as one of its “40 Under 40” award recipients in 2013.
Most recently, Songco served as the Senior Director of Development and Stewardship for the Junior Achievement of Wisconsin (JA) Southeast Wisconsin Region, where she led philanthropy, marketing, and public relations. Songco was instrumental in helping JA navigate the recent COVID-19 pandemic and re-imagine philanthropy and programming amidst a global health and education crisis.
“I am excited to serve the Waukesha County community and help make a great organization even greater,” said Songco. “I am grateful to Sara Clark and look forward to working with her and the staff on the upcoming Women Build, the development of a home repair program, and other important initiatives.”
Women Build is a month-long event empowers women of all ages, backgrounds, and industries to come together to develop and expand the skills of women – all while building a home for a local family. Habitat Waukesha is currently seeking sponsors for the project.
Songco earned her undergraduate degree in Social Welfare & Justice from Marquette University and master’s degree in Urban Studies and Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is married to Dr. David Songco, a psychologist, and they live in Milwaukee with their two daughters, Daphne, age five, and Ruby, age two.
About Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County
Habitat Waukesha builds decent, affordable homes for families who are unable to purchase a home through traditional methods. Habitat does not give houses away; we believe in giving a hand up, not a hand out. Homeowners earn an affordable mortgage and obtain self-sufficiency while learning valuable skills as they contribute 150 hours of sweat equity (per adult) to the construction of their homes, which serves as their down payment. Volunteers contribute time and talent to reduce labor costs. Donations of money and construction materials, as well as profits from Habitat Waukesha’s ReStore, further defray construction costs. Founded in 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County has worked with dedicated families and volunteers to build or rehab more than 40 homes. Habitat Waukesha is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. More information is available at HabitatWaukesha.org.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. There are more than 1,500 local Habitat affiliates in all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 70 countries. Since 1976, Habitat has helped more than 6.8 million people find strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter. Today, Habitat for Humanity is a world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.