For decades, Tom Cricchi has prepared for an inspiring volunteer role: collaborating closely with SOAR365’s executive leadership team and overseeing the Community Engagement of our organization. As the SOAR365 Board Chair, Tom’s professional, association and community service experience has ideally positioned him to take the lead following years of service as a Board Member. And he has big plans to build on SOAR365’s forward momentum.
“Thanks to the efforts of SOAR365’s executive team and previous Board Chairs Clint Kelly and Meg Downs, we have an outstanding Board, overflowing with capabilities, commitment and camaraderie,” observes Tom. “Yes, we hold the leadership accountable, and we have challenges to meet, but the foundation is so strong that I am confident we will continue to grow services, address inadequate reimbursement funding sources, hire and inspire more engaged employees and volunteers, and drive additional philanthropy.”
After beginning his career at consumer products giant Procter & Gamble, Tom moved to the technology industry in 1989 and worked in sales management at major companies including Oracle and Cisco. He sharpened his business writing skills, translating technical jargon into effective messaging to customers, and learned how to motivate teams to achieve shared success. Then, at 40, he embraced a more local lifestyle and ran SyCom, a smaller tech company, for 20 years. Tom learned the value of maintaining deep professional relationships, the importance of always doing the right thing for customers, and the benefits of an engaged and diverse leadership team.
That experience and commitment have served Tom well in his community service activities.
“I’ve always valued volunteer work and leadership roles with my church and organizations like Junior Achievement, the Virginia Council of CEOs and the local Technology Council but never felt that I had enough time to ‘go deep’ in my involvement,” Tom explains. “When John Walker approached me about SOAR365 Board service almost 10 years ago, I didn’t know that I would be so moved by the breadth and impact of our mission. The two constants in every service SOAR365 provides that drew me in are the joy you can see in the face of every participant we serve, and the inspiring commitment – and skills – of our employees and volunteers.”
Tom plans to make the most of the free time he has gained with retirement: “What better way to invest the ‘bonus’ hours I’m blessed with than to do my part in continuing the growth and success of this organization that is so vital to providing life-fulfilling opportunities to people with disabilities!”
A continuous learner, Tom values another new growth experience. “The most surprising new influence on me might be in my role as ‘student.’ I am taking remote classes at George Mason University in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. While not academically gifted, I have rekindled some curiosity, expanded my worldview and appreciated different perspectives … while digesting some humble pie along the way,” he says.
Tom expresses a deep appreciation for SOAR365’s history as well as the possibilities for expanding its impact in human services.
“SOAR365 was founded in 1954 by determined local families who came together to improve the lives of their disabled children,” he says. “Our current set of donors and sponsors continue that passion with their generosity and commitment. And as new folks come to know SOAR365 and say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you did such impactful work,’ my hope is that we evolve from Richmond’s best-kept non-profit secret to simply Richmond’s BEST organization serving the community!”
Interested in volunteering with SOAR365? We have plenty of rewarding opportunities for individuals and groups!
You can learn more at soar365.org or by contacting Liz Harris Baker, Director of Volunteer Engagement at (804) 665-1210 or [email protected].