Michael Ciccone
Why PCH? Why were you interested in joining the PCH Board and working for affordable housing in Princeton? And how long have you been on the Board?
I have some experience working with those who have less and find it very rewarding to be able to provide some positivity to their lives, as well as to contribute to a better quality of life. I believe we all exist to help each other through this temporary period we are here on earth.
I became involved in affordable housing after speaking to others and discussing the incredible opportunities that organizations like Princeton Community Housing offer the residents of Princeton. If it weren’t for organizations like PCH, these families would be displaced based on financial limitations. I have been on the board since the Spring of 2020.
What is your professional background?
I work for the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton as the Chief Facilities Officer. My day-to-day responsibilities include the areas of construction, maintenance, public safety, and administrative services to our community.
What other volunteer activities do you participate in?
I was the Treasurer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Paul’s Church Conference in Princeton and on the board of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Trenton Diocesan Council as the Treasurer for the diocesan council, which included more than 20 conferences.
How long have you been in the Princeton area and why did you come to this community?
My parents immigrated to Princeton in the early 1950’s from a small town in Italy named Pettoranello, in the mountainous region of Molise. Pettoranello de Molise, Italy, is named the sister-city of Princeton, New Jersey. My grandfather’s first job when he arrived here was at Princeton University, which he retired from in the early 1970’s. My family lived on Leigh Avenue, across the street from then Princeton Hospital. My father’s first job was at the Institute for Advanced Study, which he retired from in the early 1990’s. Our family later moved from Princeton to Lawrenceville.
One of my favorite things about the Princeton area is its diverse population. There’s a certain feeling of harmony that is a direct result of so many people from different cultures.