Fredericksburg, VA

December 8th, 2025

Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity (GFHFH) today announced that Executive Director Jayne Johnson will retire, effective February 1, 2026.

“Jayne’s tenure at Habitat has made a meaningful and lasting impact on affordable housing in our community. Her dedication and her ability to build strong partnerships have positioned our affiliate for significant growth—most notably, the six new homes approved for our subdivision, Canterbury, located in Fredericksburg within Mayfield. On behalf of the Board and our entire affiliate, we are deeply grateful for her leadership, her commitment to our mission, and the foundation she has helped strengthen for the families we serve. We also know that Jayne will continue to support Habitat in the years ahead, and we look forward to the many ways she will remain engaged.”
— Mary Beth Rich, Board President, Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity

Johnson will be succeeded by Mimi Mitchell, who will assume the role of Executive Director on February 1, 2026. Mitchell joins GFHFH from Volunteer Hampton Roads, where she currently serves as President & CEO. She brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, including nearly 10 years within the Habitat for Humanity network in roles spanning advocacy, community partnerships, program development, and affiliate leadership during her tenure at Peninsula Habitat for Humanity.

Mitchell shared that she is honored to step into the role of Executive Director for Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. Having begun her career in volunteerism and community engagement, she spent almost a decade serving within the Habitat network, strengthening her expertise in cross-sector collaboration and community-focused program development. Her recent role as President & CEO of Volunteer Hampton Roads further expanded her skills in fundraising, nonprofit organizational leadership, and partnership-building. She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the Volunteer Hampton Roads Board of Directors and staff. In her new role, Mitchell looks forward to collaborating with community partners, families, volunteers, and local leaders to build upon the affiliate’s strong legacy. She is committed to bringing a strong vision and a collaborative, strategic approach to support staff, volunteers, and community supporters in advancing Habitat’s belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live.”

“GFHFH is poised to grow and do important work under the leadership of Mimi Mitchell,” said Johnson.

Reflecting on her tenure, Johnson noted that she is “proud of the progress GFHFH has made during her 2-year tenure. The Board, staff, and community members worked diligently to produce a strategic plan to guide the organization in its growth over the upcoming three years and beyond.”

Johnson also played a key role in forming partnerships with developers and fellow nonprofit leaders, paving the way for new attainable housing opportunities throughout the Greater Fredericksburg Area. While stepping down from her executive role, Johnson and her family will remain in the community, and she plans to continue serving GFHFH as a volunteer.

A reception to welcome Ms. Mitchell will be held on December 15, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the GFHFH offices, located at 2376 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg.

Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity’s mission is seeking to put God’s love into action; Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. GFHFH serves families in need of affordable housing across Fredericksburg, Stafford, King George, and Spotsylvania by building and rehabilitating homes and strengthening community partnerships.