Leadership That Moves the Mission Forward
Strong leadership is the cornerstone of meaningful, lasting impact. At Dave’s House, our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding our mission—providing vision, stewardship, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to creating stable, dignified housing for adults living with serious mental illness. Their leadership shapes not only decisions, but direction, culture, and community. As we focus on our bright future—including the development of our first multi-unit community in Seminole County—we are grateful for the leaders who have supported our strategic growth plans and those who guide our journey ahead.
Steady Leadership at the Helm
Our work is strengthened by exceptional leadership at the top. Board Chair Elena Norman continues to be a steady, thoughtful, and inspiring force—bringing clarity, collaboration, and heart to her role. Her leadership sets the tone for a board that is engaged, strategic, and deeply committed to the mission.
Alongside the board, CEO Ellen O’Connor leads Dave’s House with vision, compassion, and relentless dedication. Ellen’s leadership bridges strategy and service, ensuring that mission, operations, and community impact move forward together. The partnership between board and staff leadership is a defining strength of Dave’s House.
A Full-Circle Moment: Welcoming Back Ray Dorman
This year also marks a powerful full-circle moment with the return of Ray Dorman, who has rejoined the board in a meaningful way as Vice Chair. As a founding board member, Ray helped shape the early vision and foundation of Dave’s House. His return brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and renewed momentum at a pivotal time in our growth.
Ray’s deep understanding of the mission and long-standing commitment to the people we serve strengthen the board as we scale our impact and move confidently into the future. We are grateful to have his leadership back at the table.
Honoring the Service of Martha Harriman
This season is also a moment to honor Martha Harriman for her extraordinary service and leadership.
Over the course of two three-year board terms—and later returning to serve again—Martha has been a trusted voice and an integral part of Dave’s House’s growth. She is often the first to raise her hand—to share ideas, connect resources, open doors, or step in wherever support is needed.
Martha leads with wisdom, generosity, and collaboration. While her board service is concluding, her influence remains woven into the fabric of our organization. We are deeply grateful for her time, leadership, and belief in this mission.
From Top Left: Brian Thomas, Erin Kronenberg, Bradley Wightman, Ray Dorman
Welcoming New Board Leadership
Leadership thrives when experience and fresh perspectives come together. In 2025, we are proud to welcome four new members to the Dave’s House Board of Directors—each bringing valuable expertise and a shared commitment to our work.
Brian Thomas, Senior Business Operations & Planning Manager for Central Florida at Florida Blue, brings deep healthcare and operational expertise paired with a collaborative, mission-driven approach that strengthens our work at the intersection of housing and mental health.
Bradley Wightman, a seasoned construction industry leader with more than 35 years of experience, offers invaluable insight as Dave’s House moves toward building its first multi-unit community in Seminole County—an important milestone in our growth.
Erin Kronenberg, who joins the board as Treasurer, brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, along with a background in nonprofit mental health counseling, education, and case management. Her blend of financial stewardship and compassion strengthens our foundation for the future.
Moving Forward Together
As Dave’s House looks ahead, we remain grounded in gratitude and guided by strong leadership. We celebrate founding supporters like Ray who return with renewed commitment, honor dedicated board members like Martha whose service has shaped our path, and welcome new voices who will help carry our mission forward.
Together—with the leadership of our Board Chair, the vision of our CEO, and a deeply committed Board of Directors—Dave’s House is poised to continue building a future rooted in stability, dignity, and hope.