Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County has a new leader. Serina Gaston, a 20-year nonprofit housing veteran who most recently ran the Greater Harrisburg Area affiliate, started as chief executive officer on Monday, Aug. 3.

Gaston takes over from Florence Kawoczka, who led the organization for more than 14 years and is staying through Friday, Aug. 14, to help with the transition. During Kawoczka's tenure, Habitat Bucks partnered with more than 50 new homeowners, completed repairs on nearly 400 homes and launched the Almost Home financial empowerment program. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick honored Kawoczka on the U.S. House floor on March 26 ahead of her retirement.

The leadership change comes as Bucks County's housing market continues to squeeze working families. Median home prices hit roughly $538,000 in the three months ending May 2026, up 7.5% year over year, according to Redfin data. The organization serves homeowners across the county, including in the Doylestown and Central Bucks area, through its home repair and financial empowerment programs.

"When families have a place to call home, children thrive, communities grow stronger, and futures are transformed," Gaston said in a Bucks County Herald report.

Board president Michael Wilson said Gaston's "exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and deep commitment to strengthening communities" position her to expand the affiliate's reach.

At the Harrisburg affiliate, where she served as executive director from April 2021 through July 2026, Gaston grew the operating budget and secured new corporate, foundation and municipal partnerships that boosted grant funding and donations. She earned a bachelor's in accounting from West Chester University, a master's in health education from Penn State and a human resource management certificate from Villanova. Her honors include the 2023 YWCA Women of Excellence Award and a 2026 Alumni Achievement Award from Penn State Harrisburg.

The CEO appointment caps a broader leadership overhaul at Habitat Bucks. The board reshuffled effective July 1, with four long-serving members departing and three new directors joining: Crystal Smith of Univest, Scott Orzehoski of QNB Bank and Stacey Mulholland, Plumsteadville Township manager.

Since 1990, Habitat Bucks has built or fully renovated 137 homes countywide. Its Home Repair Program has served more than 500 households since 2011, and the Almost Home program has helped over 470 participants save more than $323,000 and reduce debt by $195,000 since 2016.

Gaston's first week on the job already brought new construction news. Bucksco.today reported that Habitat Bucks will partner with W.B. Homes to bring seven income-restricted townhomes to a 34-unit community in Middletown Township, targeting buyers priced out of the current market.

Residents interested in volunteering with Habitat Bucks or learning about its homeownership and repair programs can visit habitatbucks.org.