Interview by Neil Doner
Kate Cox, Sisters’ staff member of five years and Associate Director of two years, left Sisters in December 2007. Kate was a dynamic leader and trusted friend and is sorely missed.
Replacing Kate was not an easy task, but we were lucky enough to find Michael Buonocore and lure him away from HAP where he was serving as Resident Services Manager. Michael’s years of experience in social work, as well as his engaging and professional manner, will be definite assets to us.
SOR: What drew you to your position here at sisters?
MB: I got my start in small non-profits and was excited to return a grassroots organization. Sisters is driven by values and forging relationships and I wanted to work where that was forefront.
SOR: What do you hope to bring to Sisters? What talents will you share with us?
MB: I realize that housing is a big issue for our customers and I feel my seven years experience at the Housing Authority of Portland will be of great help to them. Even though I have a broad background in social services, I am excited to learn Sisters’ model and engage in mutual learning. I feel that I have developed good skills in supporting people in difficult work and look forward to applying those skills to Sisters.
SOR: What do you think of Sisters so far?
MB: Well, I’m having a great time! I am trying to absorb it all. What amazes me the most, is that the space is fairly small yet we manage to serve so many people in such a wonderful way.
SOR: What other things are you excited about?
MB: Forging relationships with Sisters’ customers and community.
SOR: How many languages do you speak?
MB: I speak Russian and can understand and read Spanish fairly well. I also speak some Croatian.
SOR: Can you tell us about your family life?
MB: I am the father of two beautiful teenage daughters and have been with my partner for 7 years.
SOR: How many pets do you have? What’s your pet food budget?
MB: We are a kind of Brady Bunch family when it comes to dogs. My partner had two dogs and added them to our family. Their names are Ferris, Willow, Whoopie and Worf. We probably spend more on their food than ours.
SOR: What is the worst haircut you have ever had?
MB: Well, I never had a mullet, but when I was in the Army I would push the envelope on regs and ended up with some pretty goofy looking hair.
SOR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
MB: I would like to thank Sisters staff, board customers and community for their warm welcome.
