Jim Corbett- New Project Manager

James M. Corbett, a practicing attorney and former executive for some of the largest real estate
development companies in the country, has joined Habitat for Humanity Newark (HFHN) as Project Manager, officials from the organization announced today.

Corbett brings the experience of a 30-year career that includes senior positions with D.R. Horton, Inc., K. Hovnanian Enterprises and other prominent real estate developers and, more recently, his own legal practice, where he specialized in real estate and zoning law. Corbett will use his expertise to spearhead an expansion of the scope of building operations for Habitat Newark, which is looking to build more homes for families in a shorter time frame than they have in the past.

“We plan on putting Jim’s skills to good use,” said David Zurheide, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. “He has years of experience in creating affordable housing in New Jersey and he is eager to jump into the projects we have and to begin working on new ones.”

Areas of Corbett’s expertise that will help Habitat Newark to move projects from the fundraising and design phases through to completion include land acquisition, zoning law, government approvals, financial planning and the design and construction of residential developments that include affordable housing components.

“For nearly 30 years I was involved in getting approvals for large-scale communities that contained a substantial number of affordable housing units for the firemen, teachers and blue-collar workers that every municipality needs to be a complete community,” Corbett said. “I’ve seen the difference that affordable housing makes in these people’s lives and how it improves a neighborhood.”

Corbett sees it as the culmination of his career to be able to focus exclusively on affordable housing as Project Manager for Habitat Newark. “It has become a passion of mine,” he said. “I like to be in an environment conducive to working hard and accomplishing something tangible. We plan to buy properties, get approvals and build the appropriate houses for those lots.”