Board Spotlight: Chad Hart
Introducing Chad Hart
This month’s Board Spotlight shines on Chad Hart, Tennessee Market President at Republic Bank & Trust Company. From swinging a hammer on his first Habitat build in Alabama to serving on our Finance Committee today, his passion for Habitat has been shaped by both personal experience and his family’s legacy of service. Guided by his favorite verse, Colossians 3:23, he brings both his faith and his expertise in banking to help strengthen our mission of building safe, affordable homes for families in Williamson and Maury Counties.
Employer and title: “Republic Bank & Trust Company - Tennessee Market President”
Favorite quote or mantra: “Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Q: How long have you been involved with HFHWM, and how has your involvement evolved?
A: “I learned about Habitat for Humanity at a young age, as my dad, who was also a banker, was involved and volunteered in Central Florida. Fast forward to my first two months on the job as a banker in Alabama, and I was able to participate in my first build day. I was hooked! You could not ever replicate that feeling of teamwork and accomplishment, knowing that you were making a difference for a deserving family. I had the opportunity to volunteer and participate many other times through my career, spanning from Florida to Tennessee. At Republic Bank, we take our role as a community bank very seriously, and as such we grew in our Nashville market, found organizations that we could partner with to truly make an impact in the markets we serve. Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury was at the top of that list! We have worked to support Habitat in various ways since that time (late 2019), and I joined the board in 2021.”
Q: What inspired you to join the board of HFHWM?
A: “The stability of having a safe place to live means so much to a family and can affect the future success of that family for generations! Joining the HFHWM Board meant that I could support that mission and try to assist with many others reaching that goal of home ownership by being an advocate and working with the other board members to make key decisions that could support the mission of Habitat.”
Q: Do you serve on any HFHWM committees?
A: “Yes, the Finance Committee.”
Q: What do you believe sets Habitat for Humanity apart from other nonprofits?
A: “First, I love that Habitat is a Faith-based ministry and does not shy away from that fact! Secondly, there are not many organizations that can engage the community like Habitat - bringing folks from all walks of life, backgrounds, industries, etc. to support a common goal. Finally, the end result of what Habitat does is truly a tangible, lasting outcome that affects families and their future success for generations!”
Q: What skills or expertise do you bring to the Habitat board, and how have they been most impactful?
A: “I believe my experience in banking and community development is what I bring most in my role as a board member. I feel that experience has allowed me to bring valuable information to HFHWM that has enabled the board to make sound decisions on funding, how to manage cash flow, what is needed from banking partners, what programs are available to further their mission through their banking partners, etc.”
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your time volunteering on a Habitat build?
A: “Several years ago, our Republic Bank Team did a build day. We had about 20 associates and family members come out and work that day. It was such a bonding experience and to have everyone a bit outside of our day-to-day or out of our "comfort zones" a bit - it really allowed us to bond and connect on a level that would not have happened without that experience. So as great as it was to give back and be a part of the build and know we were making a difference together, it was amazing how much our team got out of the experience as well and how it made us better as a team!”
Q: What motivates you to stay involved with Habitat and other organizations in our community?
A: “I think it's mainly my Christian values and the calling to be a servant leader. We ALL have talents to give or blessings to share, no matter how small we may think they are, and the world needs us all to share them!”
Q: What message would you share with someone considering volunteering or donating to Habitat?
A: “Just come to a home dedication and see the impact. There is NO WAY anyone can see a home dedication and wonder if this organization is changing lives! Once you see that moment firsthand and grasp the generational impact being made for that family, there is no turning back!”