Springfield Partners for Community Action (Springfield Partners) will honor Paul Bailey for his remarkable 24-year tenure as the organization’s leader at an event on May 3 at the Sheraton in Springfield. Mr. Bailey officially retired on January 31, 2025.
Under his leadership, Springfield Partners increased revenue and funding by more than $4 million. Mr. Bailey oversaw the development and implementation of many new services, including: first-time homebuyers and tenant workshops, household budgeting programs, the Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, financial literacy education, Individual Development Account (IDA) program, Veterans’ programs, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). During the COVID pandemic, Mr. Bailey oversaw the agency’s distribution of over $185,000 to community members in the form of financial assistance to pay utility bills, rent, mortgage, and food cards.
“I’m proud of the incredible work we have accomplished in my more than two decades as Executive Director,” said Paul Bailey. “I have seen firsthand the improvements that our agency has made in thousands of people’s lives by providing financial assistance around utility bills and housing, and vital education and tools to help them build equity and achieve economic stability. Springfield Partners recently marked its 60th anniversary as the pioneering anti-poverty organization in Western Massachusetts, emphasizing that its daily efforts remain increasingly essential. I have deep gratitude for our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, and the City of Springfield, for their support and commitment to our continued mission in the fight against poverty.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Congratulations to Paul Bailey on a tremendous career leading Springfield Partners for Community Action. For over 24-years, Paul has served as Springfield Partners steadfast advocate and leader bringing numerous programs and initiatives to those in need. From his Veterans’ programs, Volunteer Tax Assistance program, childcare, financial literacy and more. Springfield Partners under Paul’s tenure has touched many lives and helped to enhance their quality of life.”
Following Mr. Bailey’s retirement, Mickey Harris, a long term board member of more than two decades, took over to lead the organization. Mickey is a well-respected individual in the Springfield community, having served as an attorney for local residents for more than 30 years. In addition to his career, he has held leadership roles on the boards of several prominent non-profits in the area, including the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the NAACP Springfield branch, and the Hampden County Bar Association.
“Under Mr. Bailey’s leadership, Springfield Partners has evolved and adapted to the ever-changing needs of our community,” said Mickey Harris, Executive Director of Springfield Partners. “We thank him for his support and contributions to the community over the years. I am excited to take on this new role and to give back to my neighbors in Springfield who need – and deserve – the critical support that Springfield Partners provides.”
“My administration is looking forward to working with Mickey Harris as he takes the helm of Springfield Partners during these challenging times,” added Mayor Sarno. “Mickey has been a long-term board member for the organization and is very familiar with how important the organization is to our community and the people in which it serves. I have the full confidence that he’ll continue to lead the organization and adapt to meet the needs of our community.”
Prior to Mr. Bailey becoming Executive Director, Harold Langford held the position for more than a decade.
In 2024, Springfield Partners celebrated 60 years of serving more than 7,000 community members each year through its various programs. The organization continues to offer its longest running and most successful Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps residents keep down heating and cooling costs while increasing property values at no cost to tenants or homeowners. It provides credit, housing, and eviction counseling services. This year, the organization distributed more than $100,000 in fuel assistance to middle-income households. It hosts bi-monthly Veteran luncheons and provides food, clothing, support services and financial assistance programs to current and former military members.
Over the years, Springfield Partners has won various awards for its service to the community. In 2024, the organization won New England Clean Energy Council’s Partnership of the Year alongside the state for its commitment to WAP. Springfield Partners was also featured as BusinessWest’s Super 60 Non-Profit.