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Updated: 11 hours ago

Island Housing Trust’s new director brings nonprofit leadership experience

By Laurie Schreiber

After a half-year search, Island Housing Trust on Mount Desert Island picked a new leader to advance the nonprofit’s mission to create and sustain year-round housing for local workforce and families.

Sherry Billings’ appointment as executive director is effective Sept. 22.

A person poses for a headshot.
Photo / Courtesy Island Housing Trust
Sherry Billings

She brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and community development, according to a news release. 

Most recently, Billings served as executive director of Hancock County Habitat for Humanity, where she oversaw construction and repair projects and quadrupled volunteer engagement within a single year.

She also launched and expanded “aging in place” initiatives, raising over $70,000 in 2024 to help older adults remain in their homes.

Earlier in her career, Billings spent 16 years as deputy director of Caring Unlimited, a domestic violence resources center based in York County. There, she led program development, strengthened community partnerships and helped shape statewide housing and safety policies.

“IHT’s work is about making room for those we rely on, such as teachers, health care workers, small business owners and others who sustain our year-round island life,” Billings said. 

A Hancock County native, she serves as acting treasurer of Habitat for Humanity of Maine and has held board roles with Community Housing of Maine and other civic organizations.

Billing will succeed Marla O’Byrne, who is retiring after serving as executive director since 2018. She was also one of the nonprofit’s founding board members in 2004.

The nonprofit has been developing neighborhoods like Jones Marsh and Ripples Hill, as well as partnerships with landowners, donors and community members. 

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