Rebuild Upstate announces search for a full-time CEO

February 27, 2022

Founder Chris Manley to transition to Strategic Advisor

For the first time in 15 years, Rebuild Upstate is looking for a full-time CEO.

Since it started its mission of repairing homes for low-income families in the Upstate, the organization has been directed by Chris Manley in the role of CEO and board member. From its humble beginnings, Rebuild Upstate has grown into an organization with 14 employees and completed a record number 556 home repair projects in 2021, all of which was done with Manley working as a part-time CEO.

Manley said the organization has grown to the point where a full-time CEO is needed in order to meet the increasing demands for repairs in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee counties. He plans to officially step down this summer, but will stay active with Rebuild Upstate as a strategic advisor to the CEO and board.

“It has been an amazing experience to lead this organization for the past fifteen years,” Manley said. “My heart will always be with Rebuild Upstate and I look forward to what we can accomplish together with a full-time leader in this role.”

The organization plans to begin the search process immediately with the goal of hiring a new CEO this summer, said Megan Finnern, the board chairwoman.

“Our growth has been an incredible feat to witness,” Finnern said “We’re excited to see how we can continue to improve the lives of our neighbors and the community with a full time CEO.”

This marks a new chapter in this award-winning organization that started in 2006 when Manley and his fellow Clemson University classmates began volunteering with the clean-up along the Gulf Coast post Hurricane Katrina. It began working on Upstate homes in 2007 and officially started as a non-profit organization in South Carolina.

Rebuild Upstate helps low-income homeowners with home repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods. Home repairs can range from small plumbing fixes to roof and floor replacements. Accessibility improvements range from installing grab bars and railings for vulnerable populations to building wheelchair ramps for those with disabilities.

In 2021 alone, Rebuild Upstate repaired 145 homes and completed 556 projects. That includes 825 volunteers, who logged a total of 7906 hours, and the organization has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

As part of Manley’s leadership of Rebuild Upstate, he has also led in the community by co-founding the Greenville Affordable Housing Coalition in 2018, Chairing the Nonprofit Alliance 2013-2018, and co-founding the national Coalition for Home Repair in 2013. Manley has also been honored during his 15-year tenure as a 20 Under Forty winner, Anderson Chamber of Commerce in 2021; the Fred Sheheen Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership, Francis Marion University & Together SC, 2018; the Young Professional of the Year, Greenville Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and one of the Best & Brightest Under 35, Greenville Business Magazine, 2012.

The agency has been honored numerous times in the home repair industry and in the local community. This includes: the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency, GuideStar.org, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022; Best Practice in Stewardship of Volunteers Award, Coalition for Home Repair, 2018 and 2020; the Dan Rawls Community Service Award, Home Builders Association of Greenville in 2019; and the Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 2019.

For more information about the job posting or to read a letter from Chris Manley, please visit: www.rebuildupstate.org/ceo.

 

About Rebuild Upstate

Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.