Tori Lyon W89

Executive Director, Jericho Project

As executive director of the Jericho Project, Tori Lyon has taken a visionary approach towards achieving the 29-year-old nonprofit’s goal of ending homelessness at its roots. A passionate believer in the ability of each individual to reach his or her greatest potential, Tori has spearheaded innovations to enable those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to achieve fulfilling lives. These include Jericho’s groundbreaking Veterans Initiative, its first program for families, and its Workforce Opportunities program to prepare residents for job internships, education and employment. Her career has encompassed strategy, fundraising, and housing and program development. Under her leadership, the number of people Jericho serves has doubled. In 2006 and in 2011, she led strategic planning projects with McKinsey and Company to guide Jericho Project to further growth. Tori has become a sought-after speaker, appearing at the National Alliance to End Homelessness; the Supportive Housing Network of New York; the Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference in Aberdeen, Scotland; the New Jersey State Conference, and the Minnesota Supportive Housing Conference. She testified before the Veterans Affairs Committee in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, and has been a guest speaker at a veterans event organized by Senator Chuck Schumer, D-NY. She serves on the Boards of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the Supportive Housing Network of New York. She also sits on the Military Advisory Council of Phoenix House. Prior to becoming Executive Director in 2005, Lyon held the role of Associate Executive Director, a position she held since 1999, having joined the Jericho Project in 1996. Previously, she was the grants manager at Bailey House, a supportive housing program for people living with HIV/AIDS.