Session D: What Does the Samantha R. Settlement Mean for Housing Opportunities in North Carolina?

Jennifer Player is the President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. Since joining Habitat in 2014, she has overseen transformative projects including Crescent Magnolia—one of Habitat’s first senior communities in the country—and Weavers Grove, a nationally recognized mixed-income neighborhood funded by the organization’s most successful capital campaign to date. Jennifer began her career in healthcare consulting before transitioning to the nonprofit sector in 2008. She earned her master’s in public administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Jennifer is deeply engaged in local and national leadership, serving on the Chapel Hill Chamber Board of Directors and the U.S. Council for Habitat for Humanity International, where she chairs the national Advocacy Committee.

Jennifer is a frequent speaker on philanthropy, equity, and nonprofit leadership, with presentations at national Habitat conferences, AFP events, and the NC Center for Nonprofits. Her accolades include the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award (2022), Triangle Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” (2018), and Chapel Hill Magazine’s Woman of Achievement (2022). Outside of work, Jennifer teaches group fitness classes and enjoys life with her husband, two sons, and their energetic puppies.

Laura Wells
Executive Director
HOPE NC

Laura Wells is originally from NC and returned here in 2020 after 20 years of living and working for multiple nonprofits in Atlanta GA. She has experience in working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from early intervention all the way through adulthood. Her background as a clinical social worker provided her with a wealth of experience in assessment, evaluation, case management and counseling with families of children with IDD. She has non-profit start-up experience as well as over 10 years of non-profit program development and management.

Laura got a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Duke and Master’s in Social Work from UNC-CH. She and her husband live in Chapel Hill and have 2 children as well as a houseful of pets.

Brad McHugh
VP of Construction
Habitat for Humanity of Wake Co.

Brad McHugh serves as Vice President of Construction Operations at Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.  With over two decades of nonprofit and construction experience, he is passionate about the power of affordable housing to transform lives and strengthen communities.  He has been instrumental in scaling Habitat Wake's growth, overseeing site development & construction of 800 new homes and the repairs of over 700 more in Wake and Johnston Co.  He has led multiple national build events both locally and across the U.S., as well as globally in South America & Asia.  Brad is licensed NC General Contractor and also serves on the board of Building Independence, bringing his expertise in developing safe, supportive housing to benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jennifer Lichtneger
Executive Director,
Building Independence

Jennifer Lichtneger is a nonprofit leader with nearly two decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations grow stronger and more connected to the communities they serve. She has held leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and most recently Mothers Against Drunk Driving, where she oversaw statewide operations including everything from budget and programs management to large-scale volunteer and fundraising initiatives. Jennifer has also been an active advocate for policy reform at both the national and state levels, contributing to changes such as strengthened ignition interlock laws and improved public education funding. Today, she serves as Executive Director of Building Independence, where she is working to expand a sustainable, community-based housing model for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across NC and beyond.