Corinne O’Connell

As CEO, Corinne drives the strategic vision of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia — our work toward a city where everyone has a decent place to live.  

Corinne has long been a vocal advocate for the power of home, with more than two decades of experience in nonprofits that specialize in housing and homelessness. Before she joined Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia as Director of Development in 2009, Corinne worked at the YWCA of Seattle and Project HOME. She served as Habitat’s Associate Executive Director from 2011 to 2017 before she stepped into her current role as the organization’s first Chief Executive Officer.  

Corinne is an alumna of Saint Joseph’s University and has a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University. In 2018, she completed Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program. Additionally, Corinne has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Harcum College and Chestnut Hill College.  

Since September 2023, Corinne has served on Habitat for Humanity International’s U.S. Council where she is Chair of the Policy Committee and sits on the Advocacy Committee. 

The Philadelphia Business Journal honored Corinne as one of the 25 Most Admired CEOs of 2019–recognizing established leaders across all industries with a strong record of innovation in their field, outstanding financial performance, a commitment to quality, a strong vision, a commitment to diversity in the workplace and contributions to Greater Philadelphia. In 2025, Corinne was nominated for Nonprofit Leader of the Year at the Rad Awards, powered by The Philadelphia Citizen. Outside of her work at Habitat, Corinne is a certified yoga instructor.