leadership
our CEO
Ellen O’Connor
Chief Executive Officer
Ellen O’Connor has served as Chief Executive Officer of Dave’s House since 2019, leading the organization with a focus on strategic growth and innovation. Under her leadership, Dave’s House continues to expand its mission of providing affordable, supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness.
Ellen is currently spearheading the development of the first Dave’s House multi unit residential community in Sanford, Florida—an innovative neighborhood of duplex homes designed to promote stability, dignity, and independence. Recognized as a leader in affordable housing solutions for vulnerable populations, Ellen was named one of Orlando Magazine’s Women of the Year in 2021. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and holds advanced certifications in nonprofit leadership and housing development.
Our Board of Directors
Board Officer
Elena Norman | Chairperson | Be Eloquent, LLC
Ray Dorman Vice Chair | Returning Founding Board Member
Mark A. Coleman | CPA, Treasurer | Strombeck Consulting CPAs
Chris Hayes | Secretary | Akerman, LLP
Adam Schwartz | Past Chairperson | Schwartz Coaching & Advisory Inc.
Martha Harriman CPA | Retired
Danielle M. Harris, Esq. | Chief Program Officer | Community Legal Services of Mid Florida
Ralph Nattans | Social Worker | Retired
Christin Ray | Executive Director of Behavioral Health | AdventHealth
Philip O. Toal | Ed.D, LMHC, CET | Retired Aspire Health Partners
Brian Thomas | Florida Blue | Sr. Business Operations & Planning Manager | Central Florida
Nancy Wheeler | NJW Designs, Inc.
Bradley Wightman | Certified Building Contractor
Lin Wilensky | Co-Founder | Retired Human Resources Executive
Ron Wilensky | Co-Founder | Retired Executive Coach
The Dave’s House Board of Directors is a diverse group of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of expertise across industries that directly support our mission—from finance and construction to hospitality, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. Their combined insights and strategic oversight guide the organization’s growth and ensure that we continue to provide life-changing, permanent supportive housing for individuals living with serious mental illness. United by a shared commitment to compassion and impact, our board members play a vital role in shaping the future of Dave’s House.
our founders
Dave’s House was founded by Ron and Lin Wilensky in honor of Ron’s brother, Dave, who courageously lived with schizophrenia for more than 30 years. After witnessing firsthand the challenges David faced in finding safe, stable housing, Ron and Lin made it their mission to provide permanent supportive housing solutions for others in similar circumstances. Their personal journey inspired a movement—one that continues today through every home we build and every life we help stabilize.
Their tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Wilenskys were named among Orlando Sentinel Magazine’s “10 People Who Make a Difference” and honored as finalists for Central Floridian of the Year. For Ron and Lin, Dave’s House is more than a mission—it’s a labor of love, rooted in compassion and driven by the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.