Habitat leaders reach accord on transition: Millard Fuller will remain as "founding president"

Millard Fuller, who founded Habitat for Humanity International with his wife, Linda, in 1976, will relinquish the title of chief executive officer but continue as “founding president” of the worldwide housing ministry.

Fuller has been in a dispute for several months with Habitat’s board of directors, which appointed a new managing director in June and called for Fuller to retire as president on his 70th birthday in January 2005.

A press release from Habitat’s headquarters in Americus, Georgia, said the Fullers will serve as ambassadors for Habitat, which will dedicate its 200,000th house this year. Fuller said earlier he wanted to be in a leadership role when that milestone is reached.

Board chairman Rey Ramsey of Baltimore announced that Paul Leonard, managing director since June, will serve as Habitat’s CEO until a permanent replacement is named. David Williams will remain in charge of day-to-day management as chief operating officer, a job he has held for several years. –Associated Baptist Press