Michael Grey ‘20

Regional Vice President
Sodexo

AWARD PROFILE

Courageous Thinking and Action
Mike Grey has been engaged in the Rhode Island community for the past 21 years. He arrived in the state to take the role of Food Service Director for Sodexo at Providence Public Schools at a time when the district and was in significant transition with shifting demographics and changing needs. Mike worked to bring about change in how students were supported both by the nutrition program and by Sodexo as a corporate partner with the city. Sodexo became known as a strong supporter of community initiatives and that reputation has endured.

From that experience, Mike realized that community needs were much broader throughout the state. Challenges exist with education attainment, work readiness, equity, administrative alignment, service delivery and employer engagement. For the past several years, Mike has served on the Governor’s Workforce Board and has been the Chairman since 2016. He has also served as a trustee on the Career & Technical Education Board since 2015. In both roles, he works with a dedicated and talented team to solve challenges that face our state.

Vision & Innovation
Mike knows that no person solves problems alone. Whether in his role at Sodexo or as a board member, he knows it takes a team to find and implement solutions to systemwide challenges. He sees his role as a convener that helps people come together and a challenger who speaks candidly to align people behind the root causes of problems that face our state. To that end, Mike himself seeks to create connections that cross barriers and align important areas of work in the state. Only by understanding and engaging the various public, private, social, governmental and educational institutions in our state will we make a difference.

Inspiring Leadership
Mike has been active in diversity and inclusion efforts with Sodexo, as a founding member of its original diversity network. He believes the successes that can be achieved for all Rhode Islanders through communication, education and understanding. These conversations are difficult, but necessary to build an equitable and sustainable workforce for citizens and dynamic business community.

Community Mindedness
When he arrived in the state he recognized very quickly that people seemed to be more engaged and involved than other states. There exists a deeper engagement that aligns with his own upbringing in Massachusetts where his parents were engaged in many initiatives and organizations dedicated to making community improvements.

Mike and his wife Christine have raised two children in Rhode Island. Having children provides a unique perspective that connects a person to the schools, sports leagues, social organizations and many other institutions. Mike understands how fortunate his family has been and also how many others struggle on a daily basis. With his energy and activity, he hopes to make a difference for fellow Rhode Islanders who are struggling. 

JA Mission Moment
”As a member of the Governor’s Workforce Board, I have had the pleasure of participating in the JA Inspire Career Day. For the past few years, I have attended on behalf of the board and as an employer with Sodexo. Career exploration for students is such an important factor in changing how students and families think about the value of education and how it is an important tool in career preparedness. While attending the career day I was able to observe several students engaging earnestly with employer representatives. It was inspiring to see 8th graders who were truly interested in learning the possibilities for their careers and were taking advantage of the opportunity to learn more about possible future careers. JA truly does inspire students in our community.”