Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, announced Vice President and General Manager of Connectors and Lateral Systems Sam Hensen has been appointed to the Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley board of directors.

Sam has been a vice president and general manager at Simpson Strong-Tie since 2014. He began his career with the company in 2000 as an engineer and in 2005 was promoted to engineering manager for the southeast United States. He is a licensed professional engineer in California and holds a number of connector product patents, including for a column cap, a nail plate hanger with bendable tabs and a twisted stud-to-plate tie. Sam is a graduate of the University of Southern California.

“I feel fortunate to have been part of many Habitat builds over the years in several different regions, including Texas, Arizona, Northern and Southern California,” says Hensen. “I’m very appreciative of this new opportunity to serve on Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley’s board of directors. The work they do means secure, affordable housing for local families, which is critical in a region where economical housing is severely limited. I’m looking forward to helping Habitat sustain this work and am proud of the ongoing mission that Simpson Strong-Tie shares with them to help people through the design and building of safer, stronger structures.”

Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley President and CEO Janice Jensen notes, “I’m thrilled to welcome Sam to our board of directors. Not only has he been a champion for Habitat at Simpson Strong-Tie — a major partner for over two decades — but he’s proven that he’s willing to roll up his sleeves and volunteer with us, too. We’re excited to have Sam’s innovative spirit and his passionate dedication to affordable housing. I know he’ll be a fantastic addition to Habitat’s governance team.”

Simpson Strong-Tie has been a national partner with Habitat for Humanity International for 13 years. Since 2007, the company has contributed nearly $4 million toward Habitat’s goal of helping provide families in need with an affordable and decent place to call home.