Rosalyn Merrick—a development executive who brings 18 years of experience in implementing multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns—joined Atlanta Habitat as Chief Development Officer late last year. Her impact is already reverberating throughout the organization and community.
“Rosalyn’s senior-level leadership experiences in generating revenue and building relationships are essential as we move into the future,” Atlanta Habitat President/CEO Lisa Y. Gordon affirmed. “Her passion for the mission is engaging.”
An Atlanta native, Rosalyn has seen this city become more divided as income levels are stratified between the haves and have-nots. Atlanta Habitat, she says, is a bridge to bring these two worlds closer together. “This work is essential and more vitally important than ever, which became apparent over the past year,” she said. “That’s what is so compelling to me about Atlanta Habitat’s mission. We provide a pathway for hardworking aspiring homeowners to be able to achieve their dream and buy a home for their families. And then we go ‘beyond the build’ to further empower ambitious goals.”
Rosalyn earned her position in an organization that already had strong, deep and generous partnerships. For that she is thankful. “I try to approach all of the work I do with gratitude, and that is easy to do at Atlanta Habitat. There are so many people who truly believe in our mission. They are committed to improving the lives of those we serve and get the ‘why’ of our work. It is a delight to step into this partnership and to continue the conversation about the work ahead.”
That said, Atlanta Habitat is facing some tough times. However, Rosalyn is clear-eyed about the challenge:
“Like many organizations, Atlanta Habitat has been hit hard by the pandemic, as have aspiring homebuyers on the organization’s growing waitlist. Several sponsors have experienced economic fallout as well. Some have either chosen to or been forced to withdraw support. We understand.
“But there are so many families who are willing to work hard for safe and affordable housing; they need support during this time of continued peril. We are still in a pandemic, as difficult as that may be to accept. And, we have a social and moral responsibility to our community to operate as safely as we can.
“As the philanthropic and corporate communities re-examine their community/corporate responsibility goals, we hope that Atlanta Habitat continues to rise to the top of their priorities. By sponsoring a home, supporting our programs and contributing to our critical repair initiatives, these partners and potential partners are investing in an organization with deep roots here in Atlanta and worldwide. Habitat became one of the world’s most admired brands because we check so many boxes: education, youth development, affordable housing, generational impact, women’s empowerment. We, along with our partners, do all of that and more.
“We want everyone who admires what we do to consider supporting or increasing your support for Atlanta’s families by investing in Atlanta Habitat. It’s a gift that pays dividends for the long run.”
