Leading a nonprofit is a privilege, according to Mike Briggs. “I have the privilege of leading an organization that spends its time and energy on doing work that helps others in ways that, without our help, the individuals we serve may not have as good a quality of life given what we provide,” he said. “I look at this as a gift, and my motivation is to take advantage of this gift so that we are able to help as many people who need our support as possible.”
As the president and chief executive officer of Little Friends Inc., Briggs and his team have proactively expanded the organization’s infrastructure to maximize its impact. Over the past three years, the organization has strategically invested in new facilities and technologies, enabling it to handle the increasing volume of referrals more efficiently. Despite being able to meet only a fraction of the demand—nearly four times greater than its current capacity—Little Friends remains steadfast in its mission to improve the quality of life for the individuals and families it serves.
Over the past year, Briggs has led several ambitious projects. Little Friends expanded its employment services by partnering with Ken’s Krew, a program supporting individuals with disabilities in securing customer service roles. Additionally, the organization collaborated with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to establish new residential group homes for children, as well as a groundbreaking pilot program for transitional housing, benefiting over 50 young adults. These initiatives, coupled with a record-breaking $2.1 million raised for programming, highlight Briggs’ forward-thinking leadership and dedication to sustainable growth.
A two-time Titan 100, Briggs said he envisions a future where technology empowers Little Friends to streamline compliance and enhance service delivery. By prioritizing tools that allow staff to focus on their core mission—directly supporting individuals and families—he ensures that compassion and efficiency remain central to the organization’s work. This philosophy extends to the development of a groundbreaking medical and dental clinic planned for 2026 tailored to the sensory needs of those with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Briggs emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership, crediting the collective efforts of his team for the organization’s successes. “The importance of humility is something I try to do through example and set a tone for others on our team,” he said. “When good things happen to the organization, I always try to make sure the team or program gets the recognition.”
He also views mentorship as integral to fostering the next generation of leaders. “I have always been a big believer in the importance of how energy and focus from one can move a business forward,” he said.