Danny Herron to Retire as President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville
Beloved leader to retire at the end of 2026 after 16 years of service
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville President and CEO Danny Herron will retire at the end of 2026, concluding 16 years of transformational leadership with the organization. The announcement was made by Christie Wilson, chair of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville Board of Directors.
“For 16 years, I’ve watched Danny lead with remarkable heart, humility, and purpose,” Wilson said. “His strategic vision has guided us through times of growth and challenge, and his ability to turn bold ideas into action has made our organization stronger than ever.”
Wilson noted that Herron fostered a culture of collaboration and ownership among staff while leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the organization long after his retirement.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
Since joining Habitat of Greater Nashville in 2010, Herron has overseen a period of significant growth and community impact. During his tenure, Habitat has built more than 500 homes, creating more than $125 million in real estate value through the support of community partners and volunteers. More than 75,000 volunteer experiences have also been recorded during his leadership.
Since 1985, Habitat of Greater Nashville has built more than 1,100 homes, serving approximately 4,000 family members across Middle Tennessee.
Under Herron’s leadership, the organization expanded its service area into surrounding counties, established a new central office in Nashville and increased total assets to more than $90 million.
Building Communities Beyond Homes
One of the most visible milestones of Herron’s tenure came in 2019 when President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter joined Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville for the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Country music artists Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks also participated in helping build 21 homes in Habitat’s Park Preserve neighborhood.
In 2025, Habitat completed the final phase of Park Preserve with 26 new homes while advancing a vision for the adjacent historic Parkwood Community Club ballfields through a planned $3 million renovation and supporting the creation of a new 59-acre Metro park.
Strengthening the ReStore Mission
Habitat of Greater Nashville has also expanded its ReStore operations under Herron’s leadership. Today, the organization operates more than 75,000 square feet of retail space across Davidson, Wilson and Dickson counties.
The three ReStores generate approximately $5 million in annual sales to support Habitat’s mission of building more than 30 quality affordable homes each year. The stores also divert more than 1,500 tons of materials from landfills annually and employ more than 40 people across three counties.
Looking Toward the Future
Even as Herron prepares for retirement, Habitat continues to expand its impact.
In 2026, the organization will begin construction on Bella Terra, a new 53-home community in Antioch. The development was made possible through the support of donors and partners, including a $3 million gift from The Frist Foundation and a $4.5 million grant from the Barnes Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
A Career of Service
A Middle Tennessee native, Herron previously held numerous leadership positions in banking and real estate, including serving as president and CEO of a local community bank from 1993 to 2007. He is a graduate of Leadership Nashville and was named one of Nashville’s Most Admired CEOs by the Nashville Business Journal in 2020. In 2025, he was recognized in the Nashville Post’s “In Charge” list of influential business, political and civic leaders. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati.
Reflections on a Meaningful Journey
“This has been such a privilege to lead this ministry in our community and to work with the extraordinary staff, supporters, volunteers and homeowners associated with Habitat for Humanity,” said Herron. “I have cherished each day seeing how the mission of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope impacts the lives of all those we serve.”
The formal search for Herron’s successor is expected to begin in March 2026.
