Will Cox

Will Cox is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avila Home Care. Will’s two decades of extensive experience leading nonprofit organizations has nurtured within him a deep sense of compassion, and dedication to serving seniors.

Will shares, “When we work with Avila’s clients, we provide care for them as if they are our own loved ones. Their experiences and stories are inspiring. They have decades of contributions to share, and the ripple effect of their relationships impact all of us.”

Will grew up in Richmond, Virginia and is the youngest of three children. Will was very close with his grandfather Charles, who the family called “Papa”. Papa had Alzheimer’s, and passed away when Will was 11 years old. “The Memory Care services that Avila provides to many of our clients is near and dear to my heart- I remember how hard it was for Papa and my family to experience him losing his memory. It is an honor for Avila and our Caregivers to walk alongside and support our clients and their families as we care for them.”

After majoring in Business Management at James Madison University, Will spent 15 years in leadership roles with Young Life, a nonprofit ministry that mentors adolescents. Working as the Director of Young Life in Virgina, and then in Baltimore, Will guided dozens of staff and hundreds of volunteers while also directly serving several hundred youth, supporting them through challenges and helping them realize their potential. Will also served as part of a national team to lead the Young Life conference that is held every 4 years. “Via the avenues of fun, adventure and humor, I loved bearing witness to the transformation of kids from being hardened and tough when we first meet them, to becoming open and authentic. Freeing a kid to simply be a kid in today’s world is a great feeling!”

Throughout the last 20 years, Will has also helped others internationally with service projects in Uganda, Israel, Macedonia and Fiji. “Serving abroad has given me an incredible perspective about how fortunate we are here in the United States, and it has also blessed me with the opportunity to learn that many different cultures revere and care for their elders in unique and important ways.”

Will met Avila’s Founder, Danny O’Brien, through their mutual work at Young Life. Danny was incredibly impressed with Will’s leadership style, “I saw the Young Life organization grow and flourish during Will’s tenure. I recognized his excellent executive leadership skills, and I knew that he would be an extraordinary CEO for Avila.”

Of the similarities between working with youth and seniors, Will reflects “both are populations that our culture often wants to be more independent than they are able to be. And sadly, both can sometimes be viewed as an inconvenience. But when they are cared for and supported, both populations are able thrive, share their unique gifts and experiences, and make invaluable contributions to our society.”

Prior to beginning his official role as Avila’s CEO, Will worked in several positions within the organization. As a Client Care Coordinator, Will experienced that Avila doesn’t simply “fill shifts”, but instead Avila “makes matches”, ensuring that each Caregiver is the best fit for the exact needs of each specific client and their family.

In his next role as a Client Services Manager with Avila, Will’s empathy towards Avila’s clients and their families grew to an even greater extent. “Serving as a calming and experienced presence is essential, as our clients’ families are often navigating times of emotional, relational, spiritual and financial stress. And in the midst of all that, they are trying to make vital plans for their loved ones’ care. I am proud that Avila is there for them every step of the way.”

Will then grew Avila’s service area with the opening of Avila’s Annapolis office, serving new clients in Anne Arundel County. “With this expansion, I learned the importance of strong partnerships with reliable medical institutions, senior living communities, and other organizations who serve seniors. I also enjoyed interviewing Caregiver candidates to serve our clients in Anne Arundel County, learning about their calling to serve seniors, their exemplary professional experience, and their dedication.”

One of Will’s many strengths as a leader is as a coach- he helps people remember the big picture, encourages them when things get difficult, and guides them towards achieving their professional best.

Since working for Avila, Will’s greatest joy has been watching clients thrive as they are supported with Avila’s compassionate, high-quality care, along with Avila’s new quality of life programming- Avila’s annual Senior Citizens’ Prom, as well as year-round arts and music programming in partnership with local senior living communities.

“We believe that every person has innate value and worth regardless of their ability, background, or diagnosis. Our hope is that they would feel truly valued by Avila, whether they are on the phone with our office staff, or being cared for by one of Avila’s Caregivers.”

Will has an exceptional ability to build and lead teams, and his hope is to expand Avila’s positive impact in the community.

“In 2014 my dad passed away from cancer. In the months leading up to his passing, there was a team of Caregivers who rallied around him in ways that me and my siblings couldn’t. They made meals, took him to doctors’ appointments, and were friends when he needed companionship. I will be forever grateful to the people who cared for him in that difficult and vulnerable time. I’m honored and excited to be a part of an organization that puts such a high value on the way people are treated…

Thriving is not just about surviving, it is about abundant life. We don’t usually think of our later years in life as a time when we will be thriving. What does it look like for an 85-year-old to thrive? It’s different than a 40 year-old running a half marathon or a 22 year-old graduating college, but thriving is still an option, it’s still available. It just might take some extra support. Thriving could be keeping yourself healthy enough that you can enjoy another Christmas with your family, or maybe it’s simply enjoying some time listening to live jazz or classical music with friends. Avila is grateful to help our clients thrive in the homes they love- whether they live on their own, or in one of the 27 senior living communities where Avila serves clients- we are there for them every step of the way.”