BARBARA HAYNES was recently named executive director of Providence-based nonprofit McAuley Ministries. She replaces Donald P. Wolfe, who retired in July. Haynes most recently served as interim president at St. Mary Academy – Bay View in East Providence and was previously vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media-Providence, where she managed operations for local radio stations.
You used to work in the broadcast media industry. What prompted the change in career path toward nonprofit work? After spending 30 successful years in broadcasting … I found myself wanting to better fulfill my passion for making a difference in our community. I have volunteered my time in support of fundraisers and programs that benefit military members and veterans, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and local students, while also serving on boards and committees. But, I always felt that I could do much more if I made nonprofit work an even greater focus of my life. So, I committed myself to find a leadership position where I could address critical needs in our community, and that led me to McAuley Ministries.
You’re described as a person who has a “passion for helping others.” What drives that passion? My passion for helping others is driven by a grateful heart. I have been very fortunate in both my personal and professional life. Whether through the very best or the most challenging times of life, my path and determination have been greatly influenced by wise, selfless and generous people who supported and encouraged me, and I feel a deep responsibility to pay that forward.
What will you take from your time as interim president of St. Mary Academy – Bay View and how will you apply it to your new role? There is a lot that I have taken with me from my time at St. Mary Academy – Bay View, with a deepened understanding of mercy and justice being at the top of the list. There are a lot of similarities between St. Mary Academy – Bay View and McAuley Ministries, which operates McAuley House, McAuley Village and The Warde-robe; both are sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and benefit from the sisters’ vision and dedication.
Are you planning to introduce any new initiatives at McAuley Ministries? Presently, I’m focusing my energy and hard work on the fundraising needs of the impactful programs that currently exist and have the tremendous potential to bring transformational change to the individuals and families that we serve. One such initiative is our workforce-development program at McAuley Village, called McAuley WORKS! McAuley Village is our unique, two-year transitional living and family-building ministry that helps homeless mothers and their children get back on their feet and move forward.