Spotlight
Meet Kevin Horrigan
Associate Vice President of Public Affairs, People Inc.
Incoming President, LeadingAge New York Housing Cabinet
What is your vision for the LeadingAge New
York Housing Cabinet?
I am new, and I realize I am new. From what I have seen from
members of the Cabinet and LeadingAge staff, I want to learn
from them. They are extremely knowledgeable, and if I may add,
everyone is so nice! I have been involved in housing on and off
for 25 years or so, but not living and breathing it daily. That being
said, my vision is to (1) take all of this exceptional knowledge
and add to the efforts to make us a force politically; and (2) get our issues
and stories out to the media, obviously with approval and involvement of the
Cabinet, LeadingAge staff and Board.
How did you develop an interest in the aging services
field?
As I said, I have background in housing. I never had any experience with the
issue of aging until I started at People Inc. When I started here and saw the
passion my boss, now our CEO, Rhonda Frederick, had for improving the lives
of our aging population, I became passionate too. As a believer in government
making the lives of people better, I saw what programs like HUD 202 could do
and the smiles on our tenants’ faces, and I was touched.
Did you have a mentor or a person who significantly
affected the direction of your career or life?
I interned in the office of Congressmember Brian Higgins when he was a
member of the City of Buffalo Common Council in the late 80s. His passion,
tenacity and belief that government can make things better has always
impacted me. Rhonda Frederick and her belief that not-for-profits can do the
same has also motivated me. I like working for, and with, go-getters with a
positive attitude.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Obviously, none of my accomplishments are just mine. I have been part of
many great things because of the people I have worked with throughout my
career. I have also been part of great things because of the support of my wife
and our two boys (ages 18 and 21) and the fact that we have mutual interest
in politics, history, current events, sports and music. I would like to leave it
there!
What would surprise readers about you?
I don’t know if there is anything, and if I shared, it wouldn’t be a surprise!
What’s the best advice you ever received?
I have been given good advice over the years from my parents, mentors and
friends. However, actions speak louder than words. I am more about watching
and learning from people and trying to replicate my own way.
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Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Fall 2018