Lafayette Habitat for Humanity Names New Executive Director
Ji Daily steps into the top leadership role following the retirement of long-time executive director Melinda Taylor.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
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Lafayette Habitat for Humanity has officially appointed Ji Daily as its new executive director. Daily succeeds Melinda Taylor, who led the organization for over two decades.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant change in leadership for the local non-profit organization as it continues its mission to provide affordable housing in the region. A board committee led by Jason Huffman conducted a national search to find a successor capable of building on the foundation established by the long-tenured outgoing director.
Outgoing executive director Melinda Taylor served in the position for a total of 26 years. The selection process was finalized following a national search led by a board committee.
The players
Ji Daily
She is the newly appointed executive director of Lafayette Habitat for Humanity with an extensive background in construction and engineering.
Melinda Taylor
She is the outgoing executive director who led the Lafayette Habitat for Humanity organization for 26 years.
Jason Huffman
He is a board member of Lafayette Habitat for Humanity who chaired the committee responsible for the national search for a new executive director.
The details
Ji Daily brings extensive construction and engineering experience to the role, having previously served as the director of construction for Lafayette Habitat from 2020 to 2023. Her background also includes tenure as a field and office engineer on projects in Washington D.C. and as a director of vertical construction at Southern Lifestyle Development.
Timeline
Ji Daily served as director of construction for Lafayette Habitat from 2020 to 2023.
The announcement naming the new executive director occurred on October 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition concludes the 26-year tenure of Melinda Taylor, representing a significant shift in the non-profit's administrative continuity. This appointment positions the organization to leverage the technical construction expertise of its new leadership in an evolving local housing market.
The local community should expect consistent operations as the new leadership takes the helm of the established housing organization. Future housing projects will continue under the direction of an executive with specific experience in local construction and vertical development.
The takeaway
Effective non-profit leadership transitions often rely on deep internal knowledge of the organization coupled with external industry expertise. Residents can anticipate a focus on construction efficiency given the new director's professional background in engineering and infrastructure.
Further reading
For more information on other local leadership transitions, visit the Lafayette People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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