Leighty, who joined the organization in 2010, will step down Dec. 31, 2026
SALEM COUNTY, N.J. – After more than 16 years leading Habitat of Humanity of Salem County, during which time the organization saw extraordinary growth and impact, Executive Director Sue Ann Leighty will retire on Dec. 31, 2026.
Leighty joined Habitat on Nov. 1, 2010. In a message announcing her retirement, the organization said she “dedicated herself to our mission, our volunteers, our families, and the communities we serve”.
The organization credited her leadership, passion, creativity, and commitment with leaving “a lasting mark” on Habitat for Humanity of Salem County.
“Leading Habitat for Humanity of Salem County for the past 16 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Leighty. “I am deeply proud of what our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, and donors have accomplished together. Seeing local families step into safe, affordable homes and watching our community unite behind this mission has been deeply rewarding, and I know the affiliate will continue to thrive for years to come.”
During her tenure, Habitat built and repaired dozens of homes for families across Salem County. Key initiatives expanded under her leadership include the operation of the Habitat ReStore (Marketplace) in Carneys Point, which closed in May 2026 due to rising operational and insurance costs, allowing the organization to refocus entirely on its core housing mission. the establishment of the Veterans Repair Corps, and critical home repair and wheelchair ramp programs across municipalities such as Penns Grove, Pedricktown, Lower Alloways Creek, Pittsgrove and all all over Salem County. She also spearheaded vital partnerships with USDA Rural Development to provide low-interest financing and sustainable pathways to homeownership.
In an official announcement The Board of Directors of Habitat of Humanity of Salem County stated: “Sue Ann’s visionary leadership, unwavering compassion, and creative drive transformed our affiliate into a cornerstone of community support.” They continued, “Her work leaves a legacy that will benefit Salem County families for generations to come, and we are immensely grateful for her years of service.”
Habitat of Humanity of Salem County is currently finalizing its leadership transition plan and will announce details regarding the executive search in the coming weeks. Details on a community send-off event to honor Leighty’s 16 years of service will be announced later this fall.
The organization invited the community to join in thanking Leighty and wishing her well in retirement.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Salem County, visit https://habitatsalem.org/.
A note from the publisher
Both personally and professionally I have known Sue Ann Leighty now for about 13 years, and I can tell you that Salem County is a better place because she chose to spend 16 years here doing this work.
Anyone can say a nonprofit leader “cares about the community.” Sue Ann is the kind of person who shows it, in the way she treats the families Habitat serves, the volunteers who give up their weekends, and the neighbors who just need someone to take their call. She leads with heart, creativity and a stubborn belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
A lot of what makes Salem County special doesn’t make headlines. It’s the people quietly holding the community together, and Sue Ann has been one of them for a long time. Her kindness has reached people in ways she’d never mention herself, and I know that from firsthand experience.
Thank you, Sue Ann, for everything you’ve built here. Enjoy a well-earned retirement. Salem County is grateful.
— Zachary Ahl