Meet new board chair Julie Duffy

This month, Providence Business News sat down with Crossroads' new board chair, Julie Duffy to ask her about her participation on Crossroads' board, the state of homelessness in Rhode Island and what her plans as chairperson.

Check out a preview of her interview below!

PBN: Why did you want to be a part of Crossroads' Board?

Duffy: I was drawn to its mission. I went to a Jesuit college where the values of caring for the whole person and respect were ingrained in me. The work Crossroads does to provide individuals and families with immediate support and long-term stability is so closely aligned with those values. But that's only part of what turned me on to Crossroads. I also saw an organization that is focused on effectiveness. Many other social service and housing organizations are set on great missions and driven by good intentions but measure outputs rather than outcomes. As I explored joining the Crossroads board, I saw a leadership team and a board that were focused on creating better outcomes for every individual and every family.

PBN: What are your plans for the organization as the board chairperson?

Duffy: I want to build on the foundation that Jack McConnell has poured. We have ambitious plans to continue building housing for low-income families and individual and expanding partnerships with health care providers. When we do those things, we will need fewer shelters and will create more economic opportunity for more people. On an operational level, I also hope to support the staff and leadership. Crossroads is one of the best run organizations in Rhode Island and that's in large part due to the fact the leadership team and board have been aligned on mission and direction for so long.

Read the full interview in Providence Business News here!