This month, we had the opportunity to sit down with the very busy and newly appointed CEO of Child & Family, Marty Sinnott. Find out what motivates him, what issues he’ll be tackling this year and what’s playing on his Ipod…
Q: How does it feel to be appointed CEO of Child & Family?
A: “It feels great. It’s a combination of feeling a sense of gratitude at the outpouring of support and the high expectations from the board members, staff and especially the people of the community. Although it may feel intimidating, it is really a wonderful opportunity for me to express my commitment to the issues of social justice, and where my personal mission can align with that of the organization. I know that I am in the right place.”
Q: What motivates you most about this job?
A: “Although I can’t say that I have the “reigns” to this company, I do have influence over it. With that said, to have influence over the resources that we have to improve communities, strengthen families and give individuals support, opportunities and resources that they wouldn’t otherwise have, well that’s pretty motivating in itself.”
Q: What are the two biggest issues that you will be tackling this year?
A: “There is a lot of really exciting important work to do here. For this year, there is probably more than two but I’ll give you what I think is most important. First would be staff engagement. For example, giving the staff the tools and resources they need to be more effective in their job. The other thing would be the variety of moving parts with state contracts, especially our Rhode Island Care Management Network contract. We are one of two major providers in the state that has a broader network for kids and families, yet there seems to be some design issues with how that network is organized. That’s going to be a big priority.”
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: “In the faces of the kids and families that we work with in the community. In fact I am having dinner this week with some foster parents to connect face to face. Even though our jobs here can be pretty daunting at times, I’m inspired by people like foster parents, staff who work with kids, families, and elders on a direct basis. I also enjoy being a part of people’s professional growth by watching staff members that do pretty amazing things with the community.”
Q: Do you have a mantra that best describes your work ethic?
A: “Determined…. At times I’ve been described to never really be satisfied but I’d rather portray it as a sense of knowing that we can do more and be even more successful. I think I’m strategic in nature. I really try to think outside the box and find what the next trend of issues is that will impact this organization.”
Q: When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing with your time?
A: “My wife and I both love working out. We always find time to get outside as much as we can and work on things like cardio, biking, swimming. Goddard Park in East Greenwich has some beautiful running trails, as well as Sachuest Point here in Middletown. Exercising can be a great method to relieve stress.
Q: If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be?
A: “Wow, that’s a tough question. You’ve stumped me, but I think I have narrowed it down to three people: Ann Carr and Paul Ricoeur, two former professors, and Paul Tillich, a philosopher and theologian.
Q: What are three words to best describe your personality?
A: “Energetic, driven, and a unique sense of humor.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: “Seeing that I have traveled a fair amount already, I would like to go back to the Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain. Italy would have to be the winner.”
Q: If we were to turn on your IPOD, what song would we hear?
A: “I’m a fan of classical kinds of music like John Coltrane and Van Morrison.”
We would like to thank Marty Sinnott for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide the community with a “sneak-peak” inside the mind and life of our new CEO!