Meet Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award Winner Pam Michell.Serving as New Hope Housing executive director for the past 20 years, Pam has built an organization that not only faces the immediate needs of the homeless in Northern Virginia, but also takes responsibility for seeking long-term solutions to break the cycle of homelessness.
Pam looks for greatness in individuals, even when their greatness has yet to be seen. She challenges and empowers staff. Seeing residents, staff and board soar to new heights is part of her style.
What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Pam: We executive directors don’t spend much time thinking about our leadership and what we do well. So to read the nomination, listen to four people sing my praises to the panel [from the selection committee], and then to win is both humbling and affirming. Most importantly, the Excel award is an opportunity to tell the story of homeless people and what the dedicated staff of New Hope Housing is doing to prevent and end homelessness.
What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Pam: We executive directors don’t spend much time thinking about our leadership and what we do well. So to read the nomination, listen to four people sing my praises to the panel [from the selection committee], and then to win is both humbling and affirming. Most importantly, the Excel award is an opportunity to tell the story of homeless people and what the dedicated staff of New Hope Housing is doing to prevent and end homelessness.
What advice would you offer for other nonprofit executive directors?
Pam: Believe passionately in your mission. Know your values and stick to them, come what may. Think beyond your agency to achieve the greater good. Tell it like you see it.
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