Jack Kauders, Executive director
Jack serves as Executive Director of Upper Valley Habitat, reporting to the Board of Directors. He is responsible for all aspects of leading our affiliate, other than on-site work. This includes family selection and support, financial management, fundraising, administration, program development, developing connections and raising awareness of Habitat in our community, and partnership with our chapter in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Jack is a long term volunteer and board member of Upper Valley Habitat. Prior to this position, he served as an attorney it private practice in areas of land and deed issues.
Jack lives in Thetford with his wife, 2 children, and three goats. In his free time he enjoys building restorations, hiking and skiing with his family.
John heath, project manager
John has made a career as a builder with a wide range of experiences from renovating old barns to building furniture. In 2014 John transitioned to the nonprofit sector where he worked as the Director of the COVER Home Repair program doing urgently needed repairs for low-income homeowners. John joined Upper Valley Habitat in May 2021 as Project Manager.
As a life-long community volunteer, John has volunteered for a number of organizations. Currently he volunteers at the Upper Valley Haven (where he wears another hat as a part-time staff), as well as being a ski coach for Special Olympics, and is a member of the Hartford Planning Commission.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughters and granddaughters, working in the garden, going on local hikes, and visiting area ponds with his kayak and fly rod. John lives in White River Junction with his wife Mary Alice.
JOE DENNY, operations manager
Joe lives in Quechee, Vermont with his wife Laurel and their collection of kayaks, skis, and snowshoes which they use every chance they get to enjoy the abundant outdoor opportunities in the area. When not working Joe is likely to be engaged in one of a series of never ending home improvement projects. They have two adult daughters, Grace and Julia who are working to make their communities and world better today and for future generations.
As Operations Manager, Joe will lead day to day operations, coordinate volunteers, and assist in fundraising, family support, and program development.