Minnesota native and experienced disability services leader selected to succeed John Estrem following 14 years of transformative leadership

Wayzata, Minn., June 23, 2026 — Hammer & NER today announced that Matt Buley will become the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 27, 2026. Buley succeeds John Estrem, who will retire on July 31 after 14 years.

Buley brings more than a decade of leadership experience in disability services and a track record of guiding mission-driven organizations through growth and transformation. He joins Hammer & NER from Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa, where he currently serves as CEO and leads a team of more than 650 employees across disability services, healthcare, and manufacturing operations. During his tenure, he has driven strategic growth, strengthened financial performance, and championed policy and funding efforts that expanded services for people with disabilities.

Before Hope Haven, Buley held executive roles across the nonprofit sector, including leading an international child welfare organization, where he helped secure federal policy changes benefiting children and families. Earlier in his career, he led a major business portfolio at Best Buy — experience that shaped his approach to strategy, operations, and long-term sustainability.

Recognized as the Iowa Association of Community Providers’ 2022 Executive of the Year, Buley is known for a leadership style grounded in relationships, strategic clarity, and a deep commitment to the people organizations like Hammer & NER exist to serve.

Buley earned degrees from St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota. This role marks a return home, bringing him back to Minnesota after building much of his career elsewhere and to an organization whose mission and culture resonated deeply throughout the search process.

“What stood out to me throughout this process wasn’t just the mission—it was the people. At every step, I met individuals who care deeply about those they support and about one another. That commitment is something special. I’m honored to join Hammer & NER and look forward to spending my first months listening, learning, and building relationships as we shape the future together.”

— Matt Buley, Incoming CEO, Hammer & NER

Buley was selected through a national search conducted in partnership with Cohen Taylor. The process included engagement from Board members, staff, and community partners — a deliberate choice that reflects Hammer & NER’s belief that the people closest to the mission should have a voice in who leads it.

“We looked for a leader who could hold both the rigor of our work and the humanity at its heart — and in Matt, we found exactly that. His experience, judgment, and belief in what’s possible for every person we serve make him the right leader to carry our legacy boldly into the future.”

— Mitch Ringe, Board Chair, Hammer & NER

Honoring John Estrem

Buley succeeds John Estrem, who announced his retirement earlier this year. During his 14-year tenure, Estrem led Hammer & NER through a period of significant growth and impact. A widely trusted leader, Estrem guided the organization through the pandemic, built lasting stability through the merger of the Northeast Residence, and championed philanthropic giving.

Across Minnesota’s disability services community, Estrem was respected for his board service with the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) and was recognized with ARRM’s Legacy Leader Award in 2025 for his lasting contributions to the field. His steady, mission-driven leadership leaves behind an organization of strength and purpose.

“John’s commitment to the people we support, their families, and our team has shaped Hammer & NER in countless ways. Because of John, we stand today on a strong foundation. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to Hammer & NER.”

— Mitch Ringe, Board Chair, Hammer & NER

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About Hammer & NER

Hammer & NER is a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to providing people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest. As one of the state’s most trusted disability service providers, the organization offers a comprehensive range of services — including residential programs, case management, care coordination, and community support — to help people live meaningful, self-directed lives. Hammer & NER operates from offices in Wayzata and White Bear Lake and is committed to building an inclusive, welcoming environment for all those it serves.

For more information, visit hammer.org.