Bernie brings his unique experience as a former pastor and non-profit leader to Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. Before joining the MCHFH team, he served as the lead pastor of Grace Community Church in Rochester, New Hampshire, and as Donor Development Director at Habitat for Humanity Lee and Hendry Counties. Bernie has also served as the president of a homeless shelter and a hurricane relief charity, building homes for victims of natural disasters. A seasoned leader of people, Bernie is patient, detail-oriented, and has been a strong advocate for homelessness and poverty alleviation. His vast leadership experience and heart for the Habitat for Humanity mission serve the organization well.
In 2018 Bernie relocated to Southwest Florida from New Hampshire with his wife, Cece. They have been married for 34 years and together raised three children. He has a Masters’s Degree in Psychology and continues to be active in church and charitable causes. For recreation, he loves fishing and wildlife photography.
Bernie brings his unique experience as a former pastor and non-profit leader to Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. Before joining the MCHFH team, he served as the lead pastor of Grace Community Church in Rochester, New Hampshire, and as Donor Development Director at Habitat for Humanity Lee and Hendry Counties. Bernie has also served as the president of a homeless shelter and a hurricane relief charity, building homes for victims of natural disasters. A seasoned leader of people, Bernie is patient, detail-oriented, and has been a strong advocate for homelessness and poverty alleviation. His vast leadership experience and heart for the Habitat for Humanity mission serve the organization well.
In 2018 Bernie relocated to Southwest Florida from New Hampshire with his wife, Cece. They have been married for 34 years and together raised three children. He has a Masters’s Degree in Psychology and continues to be active in church and charitable causes. For recreation, he loves fishing and wildlife photography.
Prior to this position as Vice President of Construction, Steve was a Vice President/Civil Engineer for an international engineering design and consulting firm for 42 years. Steve has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for over 25 years and was a founding member of a new affiliate in Wisconsin in the early 90’s. Over the course of time he has been a volunteer of the year, Board Member, Chairman of the Executive Committee, crew leader, project manager, construction manager and rehab program manager. Steve is enjoying his semi- retirement with a dream job in paradise.
Prior to this position as Vice President of Construction, Steve was a Vice President/Civil Engineer for an international engineering design and consulting firm for 42 years. Steve has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for over 25 years and was a founding member of a new affiliate in Wisconsin in the early 90’s. Over the course of time he has been a volunteer of the year, Board Member, Chairman of the Executive Committee, crew leader, project manager, construction manager and rehab program manager. Steve is enjoying his semi- retirement with a dream job in paradise.
Kerry Collins was born in New Orleans and later moved to Lafayette, Louisiana – which is Cajun country. What does he miss most about Louisiana? Boiled crawfish of course. Kerry has twenty-five years of experience working with nonprofits and government. He has served on several non-profit and government-related boards. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, diving, and volunteering.
Kerry Collins was born in New Orleans and later moved to Lafayette, Louisiana – which is Cajun country. What does he miss most about Louisiana? Boiled crawfish of course. Kerry has twenty-five years of experience working with nonprofits and government. He has served on several non-profit and government-related boards. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, diving, and volunteering.
Emily Chalker Lane is a fourth-generation Floridian who grew up visiting building sites with her father, a structural engineer. She’s always nurtured an interest in homes and is delighted to work with a team that builds some of the tightest, well-thought-out houses in Florida. A seasoned fundraising professional with more than 30 years of experience, she is excited to help grow Manatee County Habitat for Humanity and to work with such a dedicated and professional team. “It already feels like home,” she notes. Emily was most recently at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, where for fourteen years she worked on two capital campaigns, enjoyed working with donors of all sizes, raised millions of dollars, and loved turning possibilities into realities.
Emily Chalker Lane is a fourth-generation Floridian who grew up visiting building sites with her father, a structural engineer. She’s always nurtured an interest in homes and is delighted to work with a team that builds some of the tightest, well-thought-out houses in Florida. A seasoned fundraising professional with more than 30 years of experience, she is excited to help grow Manatee County Habitat for Humanity and to work with such a dedicated and professional team. “It already feels like home,” she notes. Emily was most recently at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, where for fourteen years she worked on two capital campaigns, enjoyed working with donors of all sizes, raised millions of dollars, and loved turning possibilities into realities.
Kaveecia is a third-generation Sarasota native. She has more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors and has held various leadership roles in her local community. Her work with Opportunities For All at the Greater Sarasota Chamber, led her to accept her role at Manatee Habitat, where she works with prospective homeowners and existing homeowners who want to find a path towards financial stability.
Kaveecia serves on the board of directors for Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), Dreamers Academy, and also serves on the community advisory board for the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. She holds a B.S. from the University of Florida and a MBA from Barry University and is a graduate of the 2021 Gulf Coast Board Institute. She is the proud mother of her son, Cayson and teddy bear puppy, Prince.
Kaveecia is a third-generation Sarasota native. She has more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors and has held various leadership roles in her local community. Her work with Opportunities For All at the Greater Sarasota Chamber, led her to accept her role at Manatee Habitat, where she works with prospective homeowners and existing homeowners who want to find a path towards financial stability.
Kaveecia serves on the board of directors for Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), Dreamers Academy, and also serves on the community advisory board for the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. She holds a B.S. from the University of Florida and a MBA from Barry University and is a graduate of the 2021 Gulf Coast Board Institute. She is the proud mother of her son, Cayson and teddy bear puppy, Prince.
Sarah Powell joins us with a wealth of experience in the philanthropic sector, having dedicated her career to making a positive impact on communities through housing and hunger initiatives. She brings a unique blend of expertise in volunteer engagement, event planning, fundraising, and marketing coupled with a deep-seated commitment to social change and empowerment.
Throughout her career in nonprofit, Sarah has developed a desire to uplift marginalized communities, advocating for sustainable development, and fostering inclusive practices. Sarah spent 8 years at Brunswick Senior Resources; a nonprofit nestled in the beautiful, coastal town of Brunswick County North Carolina serving the senior adult population. During her time there she was responsible for engaging over 500 volunteers to serve over 1,000 meals per day to seniors who were food insecure and in need of a hot meal. “Working for a nonprofit as my first career changed the way I see everything. I can never go back; mission-driven work is my passion. Already, I have met a few of our homeowners here at Habitat and I am encouraged to have urgency in my recruitment efforts. In my mind the goal is simple, the more volunteers we can engage, the quicker we can build homes and expedite the process for these families to get a decent place to live.”
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah is deeply proud of being a wife to her husband Josh, and a mother to her 7-year-old son Jonah. Sarah enjoys spending time at the baseball field watching her son play baseball, going to the beach, collecting shells, art in all its forms, spending time traveling, and eating good food with her family!
Sarah Powell joins us with a wealth of experience in the philanthropic sector, having dedicated her career to making a positive impact on communities through housing and hunger initiatives. She brings a unique blend of expertise in volunteer engagement, event planning, fundraising, and marketing coupled with a deep-seated commitment to social change and empowerment.
Throughout her career in nonprofit, Sarah has developed a desire to uplift marginalized communities, advocating for sustainable development, and fostering inclusive practices. Sarah spent 8 years at Brunswick Senior Resources; a nonprofit nestled in the beautiful, coastal town of Brunswick County North Carolina serving the senior adult population. During her time there she was responsible for engaging over 500 volunteers to serve over 1,000 meals per day to seniors who were food insecure and in need of a hot meal. “Working for a nonprofit as my first career changed the way I see everything. I can never go back; mission-driven work is my passion. Already, I have met a few of our homeowners here at Habitat and I am encouraged to have urgency in my recruitment efforts. In my mind the goal is simple, the more volunteers we can engage, the quicker we can build homes and expedite the process for these families to get a decent place to live.”
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah is deeply proud of being a wife to her husband Josh, and a mother to her 7-year-old son Jonah. Sarah enjoys spending time at the baseball field watching her son play baseball, going to the beach, collecting shells, art in all its forms, spending time traveling, and eating good food with her family!
Leona, a seasoned professional with a background spanning hospitality, customer service, real estate, and non-profit work, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community service to her endeavors. Originating from Virginia and later establishing roots in Tennessee, where she made significant contributions to their local Habitat for Humanity, Leona has developed a deep understanding of the critical issues surrounding housing accessibility. Now, having relocated to Florida, she is eager to apply her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to addressing the pressing housing crisis in the region. With a commitment to making a difference and a track record of impactful service, Leona is poised to play a pivotal role in advocating for affordable housing initiatives and implementing innovative solutions to ensure that every individual and family has access to safe and secure housing. When not working, Leona enjoys being outside, volunteering in the community, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Leona, a seasoned professional with a background spanning hospitality, customer service, real estate, and non-profit work, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community service to her endeavors. Originating from Virginia and later establishing roots in Tennessee, where she made significant contributions to their local Habitat for Humanity, Leona has developed a deep understanding of the critical issues surrounding housing accessibility. Now, having relocated to Florida, she is eager to apply her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to addressing the pressing housing crisis in the region. With a commitment to making a difference and a track record of impactful service, Leona is poised to play a pivotal role in advocating for affordable housing initiatives and implementing innovative solutions to ensure that every individual and family has access to safe and secure housing. When not working, Leona enjoys being outside, volunteering in the community, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Luis joined the Habitat Restore team in 2013 after finishing his professional baseball career with Cincinnati reds minor league from 1999- 2006. He loves helping others and being a leading member of the Habitat ReStore Team.
Luis joined the Habitat Restore team in 2013 after finishing his professional baseball career with Cincinnati reds minor league from 1999- 2006. He loves helping others and being a leading member of the Habitat ReStore Team.
Bruce Winter has worked in and around building construction most of his life and earned his degree in Occupational Education from the School of Engineering at SIU. Bruce served as a Facility Engineer in the US Antarctic Program and has led construction operations in three Habitat affiliates here in southern Florida. Under his leadership homes are being built to the highest level of energy efficiency, sustainability and universal design criteria for low-income families throughout Manatee County. In 2013, Bruce’s hard work and passion for sustainability earned Manatee Habitat the 2013 Housing Innovation Award from the US Department of Energy.
Bruce Winter has worked in and around building construction most of his life and earned his degree in Occupational Education from the School of Engineering at SIU. Bruce served as a Facility Engineer in the US Antarctic Program and has led construction operations in three Habitat affiliates here in southern Florida. Under his leadership homes are being built to the highest level of energy efficiency, sustainability and universal design criteria for low-income families throughout Manatee County. In 2013, Bruce’s hard work and passion for sustainability earned Manatee Habitat the 2013 Housing Innovation Award from the US Department of Energy.
James McCann found his passion for affordable housing services at Manatee Habitat and is a valued part of Habitat’s many programs. When he’s not at Habitat his second passion is for his grandchildren and cats. You can usually find James on one of our construction sites in Bradenton and Palmetto, so stop by and say hello!
James McCann found his passion for affordable housing services at Manatee Habitat and is a valued part of Habitat’s many programs. When he’s not at Habitat his second passion is for his grandchildren and cats. You can usually find James on one of our construction sites in Bradenton and Palmetto, so stop by and say hello!
Pierre Dagenais joins our team as our Construction Site Supervisor, boasting over a decade of service at the Sarasota Habitat affiliate and more than 15 years in home construction. Pierre is not only deeply familiar with the Habitat mission and model but also possesses an innate understanding of the intricacies of home construction. After his ten-year career in video game manufacturing, Pierre began his home construction journey as a self-employed home remodeler before serving as a Senior Construction Manager at Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership in orchestrating day-to-day operations, from scheduling subcontractors and volunteers to managing materials and tools, all while adhering to stringent safety standards outlined by OSHA.
His commitment to excellence and passion for Habitat’s mission extends beyond his professional duties, as he dedicates himself to building relationships with volunteers and prospective homeowners and advising them on best practices and quality standards. Outside of his work, Pierre finds solace in playing video games and cherishing moments with his beloved wife.
Pierre Dagenais joins our team as our Construction Site Supervisor, boasting over a decade of service at the Sarasota Habitat affiliate and more than 15 years in home construction. Pierre is not only deeply familiar with the Habitat mission and model but also possesses an innate understanding of the intricacies of home construction. After his ten-year career in video game manufacturing, Pierre began his home construction journey as a self-employed home remodeler before serving as a Senior Construction Manager at Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership in orchestrating day-to-day operations, from scheduling subcontractors and volunteers to managing materials and tools, all while adhering to stringent safety standards outlined by OSHA.
His commitment to excellence and passion for Habitat’s mission extends beyond his professional duties, as he dedicates himself to building relationships with volunteers and prospective homeowners and advising them on best practices and quality standards. Outside of his work, Pierre finds solace in playing video games and cherishing moments with his beloved wife.
A seasoned professional with decades of experience across the government and civilian sectors, Jocelyn Hilliard joins our team as our Construction Manager. An Army veteran, entrepreneur, and former Realtor, her background includes house flipping, property management, and promotional ventures. She holds degrees in Management, Organizational Leadership, and Project Management from the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg College.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jocelyn continues to live there with her daughter. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, hiking, and traveling. Her passion for people, community service, and hands-on projects aligns perfectly with her role as Construction Manager at Manatee Habitat.
A seasoned professional with decades of experience across the government and civilian sectors, Jocelyn Hilliard joins our team as our Construction Manager. An Army veteran, entrepreneur, and former Realtor, her background includes house flipping, property management, and promotional ventures. She holds degrees in Management, Organizational Leadership, and Project Management from the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg College.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jocelyn continues to live there with her daughter. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, hiking, and traveling. Her passion for people, community service, and hands-on projects aligns perfectly with her role as Construction Manager at Manatee Habitat.
Micah joined the Habitat team in August of 2022. Prior to starting in this role, she studied at The University of Tampa where she graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in communication and sociology. Her previous work experience is in public relations, journalism, and social science research. She is passionate about using her love for writing and multimedia to push for social change.
Micah joined the Habitat team in August of 2022. Prior to starting in this role, she studied at The University of Tampa where she graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in communication and sociology. Her previous work experience is in public relations, journalism, and social science research. She is passionate about using her love for writing and multimedia to push for social change.
Nicolaus Webster grew up in the world of real estate with his mom selling starter to multi-million dollar homes in Northern Virginia. It only made sense to go into the same industry, but to build affordable houses instead for a great cause! While attending Manatee Technical College (MTC) in Fall 2024, he started as Construction Assistant Apprentice with Manatee Habitat and months later became a permanent team member after graduating in June 2025 with his Building Trade and Construction Technology Certification. Nick enjoys working with and getting to know the volunteers and future homeowners as well as contributing towards the renovation and construction of the Habitat home projects. During his free time, he loves watching sports, painting furniture, and hanging out with his friends and family.
Nicolaus Webster grew up in the world of real estate with his mom selling starter to multi-million dollar homes in Northern Virginia. It only made sense to go into the same industry, but to build affordable houses instead for a great cause! While attending Manatee Technical College (MTC) in Fall 2024, he started as Construction Assistant Apprentice with Manatee Habitat and months later became a permanent team member after graduating in June 2025 with his Building Trade and Construction Technology Certification. Nick enjoys working with and getting to know the volunteers and future homeowners as well as contributing towards the renovation and construction of the Habitat home projects. During his free time, he loves watching sports, painting furniture, and hanging out with his friends and family.