2011 40 Under Forty: Leah Bradley
DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, Community Healthlink
Company location: Worcester
Residence: North Brookfield
Favorite color: Blue
Age: 36
Career highlights: After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I began my career as a neighborhood worker at Friendly House Inc., where I worked my way up to associate director. After five years at Friendly House, I began working at Community Healthlink as the director of housing and program development. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that assist low-income individuals in improving the quality of their lives.
Community involvement: I am a former member of the capital improvement planning committee in North Brookfield, which prioritizes capital projects for the town. I sit on the police facility building committee. I worked with the committee to secure a $200,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety to assist with the cost of construction.
Biggest success: I was a part of the team that reduced the number of chronically homeless individuals — those who have been homeless for long periods of time — to almost zero in the city of Worcester. This project has demonstrated to homeless service providers across the nation that ending chronic homelessness is achievable and sustainable.
Biggest challenge: As a young professional, I thought things would happen quickly if it is cost effective and improves the quality of life of underserved populations. Working on state and federal policy issues has required me to gain an understanding of the complexities of our systems and the time it takes to make changes. I’ve had to learn patience and gain a greater appreciation for the process needed for change to happen.
Mentors: One person who has helped me grow both professionally and personally is John Ford, former Undersecretary of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. John taught me the importance of developing relationships rather than only focusing on the business.
Hidden talent: I really enjoy growing my own fruits and vegetables. I make salsa from scratch and can it so I have it all year round. I’m always finding new recipes to use fruits and vegetables I grow.
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