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About

Our Story

Few communities in Oklahoma are in as much need for decent, affordable housing as Muskogee. Muskogee, once a mecca of music and commerce has endured some difficult seasons.  Founded in 1872 as a Railway Station, the only in Muscogee Nation, was established on the Texas Road which we now know as Cherokee Street. The town was incorporated in March of 1898 and in 1900 the population stood at just over 4200 people.

 

Muskogee took center stage in late 1969 as Merle Haggard and the Strangers released their song entitled “Okie from Muskogee”. Merle himself hailed from California but his parents were true “Okies” living in Checotah just 20 miles from Muskogee.

 

Currently, according to the US Census Bureau 2020, 24% of Muskogee’s citizens are impoverished. The U.S. poverty rate (2023) is 11.1%. This elevated rate leaves the community with many needs, not the least of which is decent, affordable housing.

 

In 1993, Habitat for Humanity was ushered into the community. Muskogee Habitat for Humanity has completed 38 homes since our inception and countless home repairs during our 30 years. We thrive on community support and volunteers. Our mission is simple, Muskogee Habitat is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Muskogee Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

EVERYONE NEEDS A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

Meet the Team

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President

Darren Armstrong

I am a Community Banker working for Arvest Bank as a Senior Vice President in Muskogee, Oklahoma. I was born and raised in Muskogee and attended Muskogee Public Schools. I started my banking career in 2006 and have worked at Arvest and Armstrong Banks. I have held multiple roles in the banking industry and have vast experience in finance. I am a 2002 graduate of Muskogee High School, a 2006 Graduate of Connors State College, and a 2013 Graduate of Southern Nazarene University. I am continuing my education by attending the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, my projected graduation date is June 2025. In November of 2006, I married my spouse Stacy Warren in Warner, OK. Together we have three children Zoey 15, Landen 11, and Emma 9, who all attend Warner Public Schools. I currently reside in Porum, OK, just minutes from Lake Eufaula. I enjoy golf, bird hunting, OU Football, and camping with my family, in my spare time. I am passionate about community and have served or currently serve on different organizations and boards, including Checotah Lions Club, Rotary, Checotah Industrial Development Authority, Checotah Chamber of Commerce, Lake Eufaula Association, Muskogee Tourism Authority, Muskogee Habitat for Humanity, Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center, and McIntosh County Santa’s Soldiers, among others. This is the 4th year of Darren's service to our Board of Directors. We are fortunate to have his expertise to help lead us for the 2026-2027 Fiscal year.

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President Elect

Todd Carlson

Todd was born in Buffalo, NY.  He earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and has worked in manufacturing engineering and leadership ever since. In 2011 Todd moved to the area when he accepted a position at the Dal-Tile plant in Muskogee, where he currently works as the Plant Manager. Todd, his wife Ally, and their two daughters live in Fort Gibson where Ally works as a teacher. He is excited about the opportunity to serve the Muskogee community through Habitat because everyone should have a healthy, affordable place to call home. 

As our newest member to the board, we appreciate all that Todd brings to the table

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Vice President

Dallas Davis

Hello! I have lived in Oklahoma all of my life. I grew up in the small town of Okay where I graduated from High School. I attended college at Connor's State College and then Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. I have a passion for helping others that was instilled in me by my Grandma. She is also the one that taught me to work hard for everything. I live in Fort Gibson with my wife Dana and son Preston. I look forward to serving with Muskogee Habitat for Humanity and helping as many local families as I can.

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Secretary

Barbara Kent

COMING SOON..

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Building Committee Chair

Charles D. (Chuck) Cox

Chuck earned his Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Missouri in 1975 and his Masters in System Management University of Southern Cal in 1984. After graduating from the U o M  he commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy serving 4 years. Chuck worked with Navy Contractors for 10 years, then in computer support for 20 years finishing my career working for the VA for 6 years and happily retired in 2019. Since college he has actively been involved in church activities, especially focused on missions and serving the poor. He has participated in several mission trips including several focused on Church Repair. He has known and appreciated Habitat for Humanity’s work for many years and has faithfully served on the Muskogee Habitat Board for 4 years and 3 years as Treasurer. Thank you for all the ways you serve, Chuck!

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Treasurer

Kelli Wood

I am a local business owner, accountant, landlord, and community supporter, born and raised in Muskogee!! I am part of the family behind Wood Co Outdoor Living. I help create beautiful landscapes and outdoor spaces and encourage others to do the same -- I believe in building a stronger community together through local business, relationships, and giving back to the place we call home!

 

Welcome to our board, Kelli!

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Member at Large

Anita White

Hello, my name is Anita White. I was born and raised in Muskogee County along with 8 siblings. My parents taught us to work hard and help our neighbors when needed. I attended NSU in Tahlequah and earned certification in Elementary and Secondary Education in Counseling and Administration. Also, while at NSU, I joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a nonprofit organization which focuses on Public Service. After graduating I joined MAC. I am now a lifetime member. I retired from the education system after 41 years of service and presently help raise my grandson. I joined Habitat because it replicates the same as my Sorority, Public Service. I have worked on a house for an elderly lady who lost everything during a flood as well as well as a new build for a mother & her son. I’ve also helped to fundraise and promote Habitat to the community through the Chocolate Festival. I truly believe that Public Service lies in our daily lives at every turn! -Anita

Anita has been a faithful member of our board going on 6 years. Anita, we appreciate you very much!

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Chaplain

John Parham

John is retired from his career at OG&E where he served in engineering and management for 39 years. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA. John is a Registered Professional Engineer. John was an integral part of our most recent house build, #38, he continues to serve on our Construction Committee. John serves as our Competent Person, and as such will oversee our next project HOUSE #39!! Thank you, John, for faithfully serving the last 4 years!

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Member at Large

Ray Roberts

I worked in the commercial construction industry from 1998 to 2008. I then moved into residential construction at the end of 2008. During my years working in residential construction I also started firefighting, fighting wildfire for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I started my fire career with Brushy Mountain Fire Department in 2014
as a volunteer. In 2017 I started with Cherokee Nation Wildland Fire
Program to pursue a career in wildland fire. Since being in the program I have worked on a fire suppression module and a type 6 engine before earning my title as Incident Commander in 2018. I have learned skills in emergency and wildlife management, communication and leadership, first responder skills, and more.I love helping the community and protecting others. After much thought I decided that with my 25 years experience in the construction industry combined with having a desire to make sure others are protected, I found that inspecting homes and property was my dream career.

Serving on the Building Committee, Ray has served some of our homeowner needs at no charge because we all need safe, affordable housing.

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Fundraising Committee Chair

Anna Stewart

I’m a lifelong Okie. I grew up in Oktaha and graduated in 2001. I graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications in 2005. 

I’m a mother of 2 boys, Parker and Cooper, who attend Hilldale, where I’m an active volunteer. I’ve been married to my husband, Wes, for 15 years and our family attends Timothy Baptist Church where we serve together. I’m passionate about cancer advocacy and have fought for numerous law changes over the last decade through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. 

I am also a vendor at my best friend’s boutique, Hey Girly, where we sell women’s and kids clothing along with gifts. My husband and I ran several small businesses together and continue to support the local economy in Muskogee. 

I look forward to making a positive impact on the Muskogee community through Habitat for Humanity. I’m thankful for this opportunity.

Anna has served as our Fundraising Committee Chair for nearly 2 cycles, she diligently guides our Fundraising efforts to the true heart of our mission, A Place to Call Home!

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Executive Director

Dana Kellner

Dana was born in Portland, Oregon to a pastor's family and has lived in several states including South Dakota, Florida, and Illinois. She has 6 children and 4 granddaughters, a blessing to her life! Dana is committed to serving in her church and in her other passion, real estate. She initiated her involvement with Habitat for Humanity when she began volunteering in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and accepted a position on the board of Directors where she served for almost 6 years. Dana finds joy in participating in mission trips and has traveled to many places over the last 10 years as well as investing locally. She believes that service is key to a full Christian life. We serve because Jesus serves and He is our example. Dana accepted the position as Executive Director of Muskogee Habitat for Humanity in September of 2023 and is dedicated to growing the accomplishments of Habitat in service to Muskogee and it's citizens. 

Address

806 S 32nd Street

Muskogee, OK 74401

Email

Call

Text

918.478.0074

918.351.5035

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