Jun. 4—After eight years at the helm of Haywood Habitat for Humanity, Jamye Sheppard was celebrated for her long list of accomplishments as the organization's executive director by the 50 or so well-wishers at her retirement gathering.
Laura Tragresser, board chairwoman, recounted the struggling organization's challenges facing Sheppard when she took the helm in August 2014, including news that the ReStore was losing its location and needed to be out by the year's end.
In addition to developing innovative fundraising ideas, forming partnerships in the community to work on affordable housing and starting a Women's Build program, Sheppard introduced the concept of an all-Habitat neighborhood in Haywood County, Tragresser said.
In 2015, work began on Walton Woods, an eight-home development in Waynesville that provided efficiencies in both labor and materials. Work on the second 10-home home development, Chestnut Park, started five years later.
This development is the site of another first in the county — a home funded by women, built by women and one that will be occupied by a single mother.
"I hope you realize the legacy of your work," Tragresser said.
Brittany Williams, Haywood Habitat's office manager, recounted her first interactions with Sheppard when she was working to build her family's Habitat home.
"Jamye saw potential in me and saw through my past," Williams said. "My home gave me hope and stability, but most influential was giving me an opportunity for my career."
Ryan Newell, worked for Sheppard for six years as Habitat's construction manager and will now take the reins of the organization.
"From when you took leadership to where it is now, the changes are truly remarkable," Newell said, adding the organization is not only successful financially, but has been a successful work environment.
Brian Cagle, who heads Waynesville Housing Authority, said Sheppard has spurred those working for affordable housing in Haywood to be people of action.
Sheppard's children, Whitney and Ben, attended the farewell honoring their mother.
Both said she had a passion for serving others and inspired them to lead a life of service, too.
Sheppard thanked the crowd and said it had been a pleasure being part of their lives.
Looking ahead, Sheppard is eager to have extra time to sew and do other projects, go camping with her husband, Randy, and perhaps take on consulting jobs.
Prior to being with Habitat, Sheppard said her pattern was to join organizations that were struggling, make needed changes and then move on.