Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County’s executive director, Jamie Maciejewski, will be celebrating 15 years of service with the international nonprofit this year.

Sarah Wright photo

A lot can be done in 15 years and Jamie Maciejewski, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County’s executive director, has more than proven that through her nonstop efforts and stewardship through the nonprofit to bring affordable housing to the county.

Maciejewski celebrates her 15-year anniversary with the organization this year, working to establish a permanently affordable housing model for residents in east Jefferson County throughout her time.

During her tenure with the nonprofit, Maciejewski’s leadership and vision for Habitat for Humanity has elevated the organization in the community – cultivating an active volunteer and donor base that has enabled exponential growth in the number of homes built, renovated, and repaired.

“When I first started the job, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County’s goal was to build two homes per year,” Maciejewski said. “I thought, I bet we could do better than that.”

Fifteen years later, the executive director has continued to elevate the nonprofit’s goal of bringing more affordable housing to the Peninsula.

Major accomplishments of Maciejewski while with Habitat include overseeing the completion of 85 affordable homes with renovations and repairs, working to build five more homes currently under construction or renovation, and at least nine more abodes set to break ground in 2022 or early 2023. Additionally, the executive director has been hard at work establishing and putting into practice permanent affordability so houses remain affordable for future generations, shepherding the realization of the Birkenfeld Community (12 affordable homes with a common park on Nora Porter Loop in Port Townsend), and initiating the largest affordable housing community that Habitat’s East Jefferson branch has taken on to date with the purchase of a 17-acre parcel in Port Hadlock.

Beyond her work in Jefferson County, Maciejewski has led Habitat’s global impact. Her work overseas includes serving 106 families through global tithe and helping one of the nonprofit’s global partners focus on, and achieve, land ownership rights for women.

Michone Preston, Habitat for Humanity of Washington state chief executive officer, praised Maciejewski’s work over the past 15 years at Habitat for Humanity East Jefferson County.

“Jamie has a vision of serving more families and constantly challenges herself, and the others that work alongside her, to do more,” Preston said.

“She never gets comfortable with having done enough. Her heart is embedded in the mission of serving others, and she works tirelessly. We are all lucky to know her and have her at the helm of East Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity.” 

Maciejewski’s vision for the future of Habitat’s role in the county includes a goal of reaching 15 home builds per year and rescaling the home repair service program, which was recently paused due to a staffing shortage.

“I have worked with Jamie [Maciejewski] for nearly three years as a member of Habitat’s board,” said Jim Golden, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County board president.

“It has been one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had,” Golden added. “I appreciate not just the things she’s well known for, such as the depth and breadth of her knowledge, her ability to engage with key members of our community, her immense capacity to lead and grow this organization. Beyond these attributes, I value her interpersonal skills, her willingness to hear and honestly consider alternative ideas which leads to the increased commitment of those with whom she works.  Her rare combination of skills continuously moves Habitat forward. Under her leadership, Habitat EJC is significantly increasing the rate at which it can build more affordable homes.”

Maciejewski’s career also includes leading three other nonprofit organizations including serving 10 years at Multnomah County CASA, a child advocacy organization in Portland, Oregon.

She has served in leadership positions in her churches, including as president of an inner-city, multi-racial congregation.