Combining skills, passion yield standout leader

The nonprofit social services field is a difficult one. But the rewards can be great. Just ask Michelle Wilcox, Crossroads Rhode Island’s chief operating officer.
“I get to see the very best of people – of humanity – I also get to see people at their very worst. People at rock bottom. To have an impact on that, or try to, is an amazing thing.”
Wilcox has been working at Crossroads – formerly Travelers Aid – for more than 15 years, evidence that she receives as much as she gives to the nonprofit’s clients. Still, she gives a lot.
Anne Nolan, president of Crossroads, said, “Michelle has been exceptional [in meeting] the need of the poor and the homeless. … She’s a manager and a developer; she oversees construction projects, then in the afternoon she’ll write a grant. At times it seems she does the work of four people. We’re very lucky to have her.”
Her career path is a good fit today, even if it started with a slight detour. In college, Wilcox majored in criminal justice. But the seed for her work today was planted in high school.
“I knew before high school that I was going to do advocacy work. I’ve always been drawn to helping people.”
After school Wilcox worked at the Justice Initiatives of Rhode Island – a criminal justice advocacy organization – where she was the executive director.
“Even though my background began in criminal justice, I consider Crossroads to be my first career-type job,” she said. “I love it here. And what brings me back, year after year, is the people.”
Wilcox has held jobs at Crossroads of increasing responsibility. She now manages 70 full-time employees and a budget of $6 million. She has recently expanded her knowledge base to include construction and real estate. “Michelle manages over 100 units [of housing] across Rhode Island,” said Nolan.
In 2004, Wilcox was instrumental in the creation of Crossroads’ new headquarters, a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation project of the former YMCA building on Broad Street in Providence. She also is managing the construction of a new women’s shelter that will house 41 women and provide the services they will need to escape homelessness.
When asked about leadership and management, Wilcox laughed. “How to deal with people is the hardest thing I do, and the most important thing I do.”
“Some of my skills as a leader, I learned in my youth. Maybe you could say they were innate. But most of the leadership skills I’ve been taught by people around me. My boss, Anne Nolan, has been such a good teacher for me,” Wilcox said.
Wilcox is always crediting those around her, even as she is recognized for her leadership position.
“I’m honored,” she said of the Providence Business News designation as industry leader in the social services field. “It always feels great to be acknowledged and recognized. Yet this award wouldn’t be possible without the 90 other people around me.” •