The Columbia County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors Fri., Feb. 26, announced Albert Bellenchia has been selected the organization's new executive director/CEO. In a statement, board President Christian Kersten said, “We are pleased to have Al taking on this critical leadership role at Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, succeeding Brenda Adams, who is retiring after 13 years...” Kersten lauded Bellenchia saying he brings a wealth of experience, leadership and commitment to service and community building. He most recently served as Executive Director at Abode of the Message, a retreat and spiritual center in New Lebanon. Bellenchia is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was formerly employed by AT&T, DuPont, Gettysburg Flag Works, and for CDPHP and MVP Health Care. He has also served as chair of the Business Education Committee of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce; as a member of the Board of Directors, Friends of Lindenwald; and was a founding member of the Tri-Village Rotary Club in Kinderhook. Bellenchia said, “It is an exciting challenge and honor to be stepping into the work of Columbia County Habitat for Humanity... Habitat is a marvelous community organization nurtured and developed by Brenda [Adams], who leaves us with an array of new housing to fill and develop.” Columbia County Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1993 to make homeownership available to working families by building affordable and sustainable homes. Habitat also operates ReStore, a home improvement and donation center, located on Route 66 just north of 9H in Hudson to generate revenue for building projects.