Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 1984
David Hahn’s (FS '84) passion for helping low-income families in their search for affordable housing has led him on a fulfilling journey in "marketplace ministry." After a long and distinguished career with Bank of America – the only employer he had ever worked for – David recently accepted an offer to become the new Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, San Bernardino Area.
Hahn’s career with Bank of America spanned 34 years, where he collaborated with prospective homeowners and nonprofits to help low-income families in the Inland Empire find housing. During his last 9 years, as Senior Vice President/California Advocacy Relationship Manager, Hahn became very engaged with HUD-certified nonprofit housing agencies throughout the California, including Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing for low-income families. Alongside community-based organizations and volunteers, prospective homeowners participate in the construction of their homes. In more than 25 years, the nonprofit’s San Bernardino Area chapter has built or rehabilitated 29 homes in the region, housing more than 150 men, women and children.
“When I was presented the opportunity to work for an organization that has a core principle of Demonstrating the Love of Jesus Christ, I thought it would be a good idea to keep listening! I believe in this organization, a remarkable agency that is doing a lot of good in the community it serves,” said Hahn, who had been volunteering with Habitat for almost 20 years.
As an HIU student, David took many business courses because he felt it was important to learn ethical business and management principals grounded in biblical truth taught by Christian professors. He fondly remembers soaking in the lectures of Dr. Paul McReynolds and learning how to engage with local church congregations by observing Dr. John Rowe. “These experiences at HIU taught me how to effectively integrate my faith into business practices,” Hahn reminisced.
“It is clear that Habitat For Humanity is where I am supposed to be, especially when I read their Mission Statement that says: ‘Seeking to put God's Love into action, Habitat For Humanity brings people together to build Homes, Communities, and Hope.’ It feels like just the right fit: the perfect marriage of where my heart has always been and what I’ll be doing now as my profession.”
