IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       Media Contact: Wendy Cullinan, President and CEO
August 4, 2026                                    508-362-3559 x111

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod Announces Retirement of President & CEO Wendy Cullinan; Tara Cronin Named Successor

YARMOUTH PORT, MA – After 14 years of dedicated service to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, President & CEO Wendy Cullinan has announced her retirement, effective at the end of this year. Cullinan has served as President & CEO for the past seven years, following her previous seven years as the organization's Director of Resource Development.

The Board of Directors has promoted Tara Cronin as the organization's next President & Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2027.

Cullinan's retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod's history. Upon assuming the role of President & CEO, she was immediately faced with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through steady leadership and determination, she successfully guided the organization through one of the most difficult periods in its history, keeping Habitat's staff employed while ensuring construction continued, and affordable homes were built for Cape Cod families.

During Cullinan’s seven years as CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod completed 50 affordable homes, while significantly expanding its pipeline of future housing opportunities. Major developments now underway include a 14-home neighborhood in North Falmouth, a six-home development in Yarmouth, and a seven-home neighborhood in Orleans, helping address the Cape's growing need for affordable homeownership.

Cullinan also expanded the staff through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, Habitat was consistently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, launched the highly successful Deconstruction Program (Cabinet Removal Service), which has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Habitat's mission, and created two signature fundraising events, the annual Home in One Golf Tournament and The Ride for Homes, which continue to provide critical funding. Most notably, under Cullinan’s leadership, Habitat Cape Cod secured a record-breaking $2 million grant through MassHousing's Neighborhood Stabilization Program for the 14-home North Falmouth neighborhood, the largest single-project grant in the affiliate's history.

"It has been the honor of my career to serve Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod and the families we have the privilege to partner with," said Cullinan. "I am incredibly proud of what our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and community partners have accomplished together over the past 14 years. I know the organization is in excellent hands with Tara, and I look forward to seeing Habitat continue to grow and change lives for years to come."

Cronin has been a valued member of the Habitat team for the past nine years and currently serves as Director of Resource Development. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strengthened relationships throughout the Cape Cod community, and played a vital role in advancing Habitat's mission of helping local families achieve affordable homeownership.

Prior to becoming Director of Resource Development, Cronin served as Volunteer and Community Relations Manager, where she significantly expanded Habitat's volunteer base and strengthened partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, schools, and faith communities. In her role as Director of Resource Development, she has led fundraising, marketing, donor relations, and community engagement efforts that have helped the organization continued success.

"Wendy’s visionary leadership over the past 14 years has left an indelible mark on our organization and transformed our ability to serve families across Cape Cod," said Peter Kimball, Chair of the Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod Board of Directors. "While we will deeply miss her daily presence, the Board is pleased to appoint Tara Cronin as our next President & CEO. Tara is an exceptional leader whose deep institutional knowledge, outstanding fundraising track record, and passion for Habitat's mission make her the ideal person to build on this strong foundation and guide us into an exciting new chapter of growth."

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod has built nearly 200 homes from Bourne to Provincetown and recently completed eight homes in Dennis and Wellfleet. In the summer of 2026, new builds in Brewster, Falmouth, and Pocasset will begin, with additional builds planned over the next few years in Yarmouth, Marstons Mills, Orleans, and North Falmouth. Qualifying families are selected via drawing, and future homeowners contribute sweat equity, helping build their homes alongside local volunteers, then purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage. Habitat Cape Cod has been nationally recognized for building energy-efficient, affordable homes. All homes are deed-restricted to remain affordable in perpetuity. Habitat Cape Cod relies on the generosity of our community to build affordable homes with local families. To ensure gifts stay local, donors must donate online at habitatcapecod.org or by mail to 411 Main Street, Suite 6, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.