Credit: Submitted
Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County has named Serina Gaston as its next chief executive officer to succeed retiring leader Florence Kawoczka.
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Gaston, who brings more than two decades of experience in affordable housing, nonprofit management, and community-driven initiatives, will officially take the helm on Aug. 3, the nonprofit’s board of directors announced.
Kawoczka will stay with the organization until Aug. 14 to assist with the leadership transition.
Gaston most recently served as the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.
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Leading the Central Pennsylvania nonprofit, Gaston grew the affiliate’s operating budget, secured new institutional partnerships, and expanded both grant funding and donations to increase the number of families served by the organization.
“Serina’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and deep commitment to strengthening communities position her to build on our strong foundation as we expand our impact and help more families achieve the stability and opportunity that come with affordable homeownership,” Board President Michael Wilson said.
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Gaston holds a bachelor’ degree in accounting from West Chester University, a master’s degree in health education from Penn State University, and a certificate in human resource management from Villanova University. Her professional work has been recognized with the 2023 YWCA Women of Excellence Award and the 2026 Alumni Achievement Award from Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Behavioral Sciences and Education.
She serves as the nominating chair for the United Way of Pennsylvania and has held board positions with the American Heart Association and Penn State Harrisburg’s Health Education Advisory Board.
“My vision is to expand our impact, strengthen community partnerships, and create innovative housing solutions that help families achieve homeownership and enable older adults to age in place safely and with dignity,” Gaston said.
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The executive search was conducted by Kittleman and Associates, a national firm specializing in recruiting leadership for philanthropic and tax-exempt organizations.
Kawoczka, the outgoing CEO, was named leader of Habitat Bucks in 2011.
Over Kawoczka’s 15 years leading the organization, Habitat Bucks increased its building pace and assisted 53 new homeowners.
Since its founding in 1990, Habitat Bucks has built or fully renovated 137 homes in the county. The group also operates a home repair program that has modified or repaired over 500 low-income households since 2011, a financial empowerment program that has helped participants reduce more than $195,000 in debt since 2016, and three ReStore retail locations, including one in Langhorne Square, to generate funding.
