Neil Booth began volunteering at NW Metro Atlanta Habitat in 2002. After retiring from Coca Cola as Worldwide Account Manager, he was looking for something to do. He had met a “gray ghost” at Faith United Methodist Church and accepted his invitation to help build a house. Since then, Neil has worked on many houses, including 17 as House Leader, 55 as Crew Leader and countless others in various roles.
Currently, Neil attends Bethany United Methodist Church (Smyrna), which is a member of the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition (CIHC). Motivated by his dual affiliation with the church and this affiliate, and his giving nature, Neil has been the House Leader or House Co-Leader on the annual CIHC build for the past six years.
Neil said, “Working with Habitat staff, sponsors, volunteers and homeowner partners over the years has been extremely rewarding. On one of the first houses I co-lead, the homeowner made a statement that really stuck with me over the years.” This homeowner told Neil, “I am blessed to be able to sit in my new home, look out the window and know that this home was build out of love for me and my family, by all of you.
During the last 13 years Neil has seen many changes at Habitat. One that particularly pleases him is the significant improvements in the construction process and in the quality of the homes we build. He credits our former construction manager, Robert Long, with bringing professional knowledge, skills and standards to the construction department.
In addition to his Habitat work, Neil has been a volunteer member of the National Ski Patrol for 41 years, where he administers first aid care and transportation and trains new volunteers. When he’s not volunteering, Neil and his wife, Shelley, stay busy with their two children and three grandchildren. In his “free time,” he loves to golf and ski.
We don’t know how you do it all, Neil, but we are delighted that you chose to be part of our team. Thank you for your many years of service!