Jul. 01, 2025
Longtime Director of Impact Lori Haskell named incoming CEO of The Restoration House and board president of Olive Tree Early Learning Academy; Daniel Watson to step down as executive director this fall
After nearly 20 years of visionary leadership, The Restoration House (TRH) announced that Co-founder and Executive Director Daniel Watson will step down this fall. Lori Haskell, who has served alongside Watson for 14 years, has been named the incoming CEO of The Restoration House and board president of Olive Tree Early Learning Academy.
Founded in 2007, The Restoration House walks alongside low-income single mothers and their children, offering supportive housing, family advocacy and youth development through a whole-family approach. TRH launched Olive Tree Early Learning Academy in 2023 after five years of due diligence, providing trauma-responsive early education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, as an expansion of TRH’s core mission.
“The past 20 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Watson said. “As I’ve prayed and prepared for the next leader to steward this mission, I am filled with confidence that God has provided the perfect leader for this role. I’ve had the privilege of watching Lori lead with wisdom, integrity and a heart fully aligned with our mission.”
The transition comes after a succession planning process that was launched in 2022 and led by TRH’s board of directors. The board formed an Executive Leadership Transition Committee composed of current and former members to guide the search with prayer, discernment and intentionality. Late last year, following a thorough selection process supported by an external consultant, the board unanimously selected Haskell to step into the organization’s top leadership role.
“We asked ourselves: What kind of leader does The Restoration House need for its next chapter?” said Kara Brown, board president of The Restoration House. “The answer was clear. We wanted someone who would hold to our mission and lead from our core values — restoration, collaboration, community, reciprocity and dignity. Lori not only exemplifies these values, she also brings a depth of professional experience, institutional knowledge and the passion for the community that will carry our mission to new heights.”
Haskell, who officially will assume the role of CEO Oct. 15, 2025, played a key role in recent organizational growth, including the development of a new three-year strategic plan adopted by the board in May. Under her leadership, TRH will develop affordable housing to increase opportunities for homeownership, launch a new entrepreneurship pathway for economic mobility and strengthen whole family support through Olive Tree.
“I am deeply honored to serve as CEO of The Restoration House and board president of Olive Tree,” Haskell said. “Walking alongside families and staff through the work of restoration has shaped who I am. As we step into this next chapter, I’m filled with hope, vision and a deep commitment to what’s ahead. Together, we are joining God in the work He’s already doing through this incredible community.”
The Restoration House invites supporters to learn more and join the celebration at its upcoming Restoring Hope Luncheon on Oct. 1, 2025, at the Press Room. Tickets are available through The Restoration House website.
More information is available at https://therestorationhouse.net/thenextchapter/.
About The Restoration House
Founded in 2007, The Restoration House helps restore single mothers and their children back to God’s good intent for their lives through a whole-family approach that includes a restorative community, family advocacy, and holistic well-being.
About Olive Tree Early Learning Academy
Founded in 2023, as an initiative of The Restoration House, Olive Tree Early Learning Academy partners families together with exceptional educators in a whole child approach to high-quality early education that provides a creative, safe, and inclusive environment where children grow to love learning.
