In just five years under Michael Robb’s leadership as executive director of the Center for Community Resources, the nonprofit organization has grown from one agency to three and nearly tripled the number of staff members, and its revenue has grown nearly 800 percent. The organization aims to be a regional human service agency focused on providing support and services for people to succeed and communities to thrive.
This kind of success is the result of Robb’s visionary ideas, but he doesn’t just have vision. He also converts his vision into reality with strong leadership skills and the ability to successfully manage people, finances and systems. He has a great ability to think quickly on his feet and doesn’t let a “no” stop him when he knows it’s the right direction the organization should be going in. For example, during the state budget impasse two years ago, many other agencies suspended their services or closed completely, but under Robb’s leadership, CCR preserved money and cash flow and not only sustained services to the region but even took on additional programs and hired staff during that challenging time.
Robb also encourages the people around him to think outside the proverbial box. One of CCR’s programs was born out of his ability to think globally about the utility crisis in the county. He approached other agencies to invest staff or funds to help the greater good. Then the organization trained part-time staff and AmeriCorps volunteers to help people set up payment plans with utility companies to avoid shut offs. CCR has been able to solicit funds from community partners, which are then used to help people in need make initial payments to utility companies. His vision led to a new program, and this program is a model not just for the commonwealth but has also been sought after by other counties.
How to reach: Center for Community Resources, (724) 431-0095 or www.ccrinfo.org
