Habitat for Humanity hires Silicon Valley exec as new director

Photo provided by Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri Inc.

Jeff Nagy is Habitat for Humanity's new executive director.

Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri Inc. hired a Silicon Valley executive and Midwest native as its new leader.

Jeff Nagy started Nov. 2 as executive director of the Springfield nonprofit, according to a news release issued yesterday. He succeeds Larry Peterson, who retired in April 2020 after nearly eight years with the organization.

Nagy most recently worked for four years as managing director of Perceptron Consulting LLC, a business intelligence management company. He's worked as a data scientist developing machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms used to predict online behaviors, and he has some 15 years of experience in nonprofits, including affordable housing.

“The search committee and the board of HFHS are excited to bring Jeff to Springfield as he draws upon his extensive education and diverse experience to lead our Habitat affiliate,” said Glenn Green, search committee chair, in the release. “We look forward to seeing the ideas and innovation for the next stage of HFHS as Jeff works with our staff to collaborate and innovate to broaden our efforts to accomplish our vision of Springfield as being a community where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Habitat for Humanity has built or renovated more than 790 homes to place over 1,500 individuals since 1988, according to the release. For Springfield Business Journal’s 2020 Giving Guide, Habitat for Humanity reported $2.2 million in annual revenue and 29 employees.