Nonprofit Power Players

Patrick Willingham serves as the executive director of The Public Theater, a nationally recognized cultural institution, best known for the esteemed Free Shakespeare in the Park program. Patrick has received Tony Awards for Best Musical for “Fun Home” and “Hamilton”. Prior to joining The Public, Patrick Willingham partnered with the founders of Blue Man Group.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
My earliest experiences in theater were in the nonprofit sector. When I went to work with the founders of Blue Man Group, though we were a for-profit enterprise, we always talked about the mission of the artistic work being more important than anything. Returning to the nonprofit theater space over a decade ago, the idea of serving a mission and ensuring that the culture belongs to everyone becomes more meaningful and vital every year.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
We recently launched a $150 million capital campaign to revitalize the historic Delacorte Theater and to build the Fund for Free Theater. This initiative holds significant importance as it focuses on renovating a major cultural institution and launches the fund, which is being established to ensure that Free Shakespeare in the Park and all of our other free offerings will always be available for the people of the city of New York.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Increased government funding for arts organizations and incentives for collaboration, would significantly strengthen our nonprofit sector work. More funding allows for expanded outreach and improved accessibility to underserved communities, while collaboration encourages joint initiatives to expand outreach which leads to a stronger, more impactful culture sector.

Named executive director in 2019, Michelle Yanche has spent 30 years working her way up the ladder at the youth and family development organization Good Shepherd Services. At one of the largest nonprofits serving youth and families in New York City, Yanche oversees the expansion and implementation of their 90 programs, directly impacting over 30,000 individuals and families.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
My mentor, Jean Thomases. She was the associate executive director of Good Shepherd Services from 1982-1996 and a passionate and effective advocate and designer of programs for youth in NYC.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Creating the Campaign for Summer Jobs that ended up saving summer jobs for youth. People will tell you it’s impossible, but you can’t listen.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Pay increases for social service and nonprofit workers. Despite their pivotal role, these workers are struggling to make ends meet because of the stagnant wages outlined in their contracts, leaving them as some of the lowest-paid contractors in New York City.

Alan joined New Yorkers for Children (NYFC) in February 2023, where he leads the long-range vision planning for the organization. Previously, he worked for over 10 years at local nonprofits focused on affordable housing and education, most recently as the chief development officer at the Committee for Hispanic Children & Families. He received his Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and his B.A. with high honors in Urban Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Outside of work, Yu serves on the Advisory Committee of Episcopal Charities of New York, the Congregational Council of Trinity Church Wall Street, Manhattan Community Board 5, and the Young Patrons Steering Committee of the Museum of Modern Art.

Michael K. Billia currently serves as the chief executive officer for Life’s WORC, he has been affiliated with the organization for over 30 years in numerous capacities, including spending several years on the Board and most recently as chief administrative officer where he was overseeing all non-residential programs, human resources, quality and  assurance, development, FCA and facilities. Prior to joining Life’s WORC he spent over 35 years in the financial industry where he was able to develop strong leadership and management skills.