Brianna’s Story

CEO Matt Buley Resigns

By 7017444915 • July 27, 2026
ROCK VALLEY—Hope Haven has announced CEO Matt Buley will resign from his position effective July 15 to accept a new role as CEO at Hammer & NER in Wayzata, MN. The move will put Buley and his wife, Theresa, in closer proximity to their four children and five grandchildren. Buley has been Hope Haven’s CEO for nine years, helping lead the Rock Valley-based nonprofit organization through growth, transition, advocacy and continued commitment to its mission of supporting individuals with disabilities locally and around the world. “Serving Hope Haven has been one of the great privileges of my life,” Buley said. “I am proud of this team, our global community and all that we have accomplished together. I will be watching with gratitude and cheering for Hope Haven’s continued success long into the future.” Hope Haven was established in 1964 and is committed to serving individuals with disabilities through a wide range of services, including community living, children’s services, day services, mental health and recovery services, employment services and international wheelchair ministry. The Hope Haven Board of Directors appointed CFO Terry Meyer to serve as interim CEO. Hope Haven strengthened and expanded services across their organization during Buley’s tenure. “Over the past nine years, Matt Buley has guided Hope Haven through significant growth and progress while keeping our mission and the people we serve at the heart of the work,” said Hope Haven board president Ron Boote. “On behalf of the board, I am deeply grateful for his leadership, dedication and the strong foundation he leaves for Hope Haven. We are well-positioned for continued impact in the years ahead.” Buley helped Hope Haven advocate for and secure a revision to Iowa’s funding structure for children’s services, a change that is helping bring children back to Iowa for care. Hope Haven also navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and the historic flooding of June of 2024, leaning on the strength, unity and dedication of its staff, leadership and community. Hope Haven International Ministries doubled production during Buley’s tenure while Double HH Manufacturing expanded its building by 35,000 square feet, increasing space by 85 percent to support future growth as both a manufacturer and an employer of people with disabilities. Hope Haven also completed 11 building projects that expanded or improved space for program services and office operations while homes were built or renovated to support the growth of their residential services. “Excellence courses through this organization, and it has for 61 years,” Buley said. “That has never been about one person. Hope Haven is strong because of the people who show up every day with skill, compassion and commitment to the mission. That mission is in very capable hands, and I believe the organization’s best days lie ahead.” Similar to Hope Haven, Hammer & NER’s mission is to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest by providing individual-centered support, including customized 24-hour group home supervision and independent apartment programs.. Meyer has been employed with Hope Haven for 17 years and brings extensive organizational knowledge, financial leadership and a deep commitment to Hope Haven’s mission. He also will be closely assisted by Lisa Schwanke, Hope Haven’s chief of staff. Hope Haven’s board expressed confidence in Meyer’s ability to provide steady leadership during this transition while continuing to support Hope Haven’s staff, programs, partners, and the individuals served. Hope Haven’s Board also has engaged JobfitMatters, an executive search firm for Christian leaders in Franklin, TN, to recruit the next CEO. JobfitMatters led the search that led Hope Haven to hire Buley in 2017 and it has led searches for senior leadership at Dordt University in Sioux Center and Northwestern College in Orange City.
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12-year-old Brianna loves coloring painting and music. In the summertime her favorite activity is – without question – playing in the water. She’s even been dubbed ‘the little mermaid’ because of her beloved pastime. Another part of Brianna’s life is her Angelman Syndrome diagnosis. Angelman Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.

 

Brianna was diagnosed at the age of one and was raised at home by her mother Kandice. Around Brianna’s 7 th  Birthday Kandice met with Faith Hope & Charity (FHC – A division of Hope Haven Inc.) in Storm Lake IA to learn more about respite services for Brianna. However when staff heard of the comprehensive care and close watch that Brianna required at home they also provided Kandice with information about residential services available in an intermediate care facility for the intellectually disabled (ICF/ID).  

 

At the time Kandice was a single mom raising three young girls all on her own. When she learned that the ICF/ID at FHC was equipped to provide 24 hour medical services physical and occupational therapy speech and language therapy  among many other services  Kandice evaluated this new option with more thought. Additionally she took into consideration the “home away from home feel” of FHC and the growing level of care and attention her other two young daughters also required. 

 

Still Kandice grappled with the choice. “It was an extremely hard decision the hardest I’ve ever made ” she remarks. After careful deliberation she decided to move forward with the ICF/ID option for Brianna “I know my child  who needs an extreme amount of care – more than just one person can provide – is getting the constant care and monitoring she needs to thrive.”  

 

Brianna made the move to FHC in 2014 and has experienced significant growth over the past five years. With help from staff  she has identified methods and activities that are therapeutic and beneficial for her like sensory engagement. Brianna is non-verbal so she has also learned to use a communication board to share her thoughts. She’s continually working towards increased independence and more social activity.   

 

When she’s not at FHC she delights in time spent with mom dad two sisters and a brother. Her family comments on her playful spirit sense of humor and sweet demeanor. It’s also noted that when she’s away for long periods of time Brianna is eager to return to FHC. “She has made huge progress and now considers FHC her home ” affirms Kandice. 

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