At the June 2020 board of directors meeting of Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys Inc., Jack Niedbalski announced his retirement. It was voted unanimously that he would be replaced by Lindsay Fast as the next executive director. 

Niedbalski has been the executive director of the local Habitat affiliate for nearly 10 years and has  contributed greatly to the growth and development of the non-for-profit during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Upper Keys affiliate constructed 11 affordable housing units and has undertaken the 16- unit Windley Point development currently nearing completion at MM 84. He announced that he intends to  retire at the end of 2020. The board and members of the community are deeply appreciative of his  contributions and accomplishments. 

Lindsay Fast is the new executive director for Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys. CONTRIBUTED

Fast, who has been employed as crisis manager and compliance officer since April 2020, immediately  assumed the executive director responsibilities. Niedbalski has been supporting her in this transition, serving as executive director emeritus through the end of the year. After that, he will continue his support of affiliate activities and his advocacy for the Habitat mission. 

Fast has a lifelong history with the Upper Keys and lives in Islamorada with her husband and daughter. She received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Miami. Her most recent professional experiences include tourism director for the town of Surfside and trade marketing manager for Club Med North America. Fast received numerous  leadership awards and recognitions in each of these capacities. 

“We are very appreciative of the leadership provided by Jack and are extremely pleased to have been  able to recruit someone with the experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the Habitat mission that  Lindsay brings to the affiliate,” said Dirk Smits, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys president and chairman of the board. 

Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-for-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty and  substandard housing worldwide.