Heather McGrew, Vice President

Heather McGrew, Vice President of Fellow & Alumni Programs
212.400.3954
Heather@echoinggreen.org

Heather develops and manages technical assistance for Echoing Green Fellows, alumni outreach and support ,and the search and selection process for identifying new fellows. Heather has over seventeen years of experience in marketing, sales, operations, strategic planning, and management. She received her BA and MBA from the University of Virginia. Heather has worked as a volunteer in a variety of capacities supporting elementary education, adult literacy, community development, housing, youth development, AIDS education, and the arts.

Why do you do what you do?

wdydwyd sign: Some hills are meant to be climbed.

I had just gone hiking in New Mexico and had done a hike that was as mentally challenging as physically challenging. Some challenges you simply can't walk away from. Social change work is like that mountain. You might not be able to explain why you are drawn to the challenge and conquering it may be painful and insane but you pursue it none the less.

What drew you to work at Echoing Green?

I came from the private sector and had worked for a start up funded by a venture capital firm. So I was very familiar with the investment model for private companies and had no idea that there was a similar investment model for the social sector until I stumbled across Echoing Green through social connections. When I found EG, I was at a crossroads in my career where I was seeking a way to apply my experience, talent and skills to a larger movement, something that was focused on more than shareholder value. When I found Echoing Green, I fell head over heels with the investment philosophy, the fellows (who are amazing) and how ultimately what we do is bring hope into the world that problems don't have to simply be suffered through but can actually be solved.

What book are you currently reading?

The Omnivore's Dilemma. Everyone should read this book. Especially parents. It will totally change how you think about the food you feed yourself and your family. I haven't finished it yet but have ordered copies to be sent to many of my friends.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I'm an outdoorsy homebody, if one can be such a thing. I love to hike, bike, run and take ridiculously long walks along the ocean down on the Jersey Shore. I love to get outside but I'm also a nester. So I'm also quite happy doing domestic things like cooking, gardening, knitting, etc. And I love nothing more than losing myself in a really good book.

When was your last Be Bold moment?

Maritza and I have been spending a bit of time down in New Orleans working with various groups that support social entrepreneurs. We've recently experienced some breakthrough moments, seeing possibilities and identifying opportunities to do things in a different way with the potential to have great results. I had a big "ah ha!" moment back in the end of February and lots of smaller related ah ha's since then.

In the next month, I plan to…

Enjoy downtime at the Jersey Shore. In this field we are so focused on the overwhelming amount of work that needs to get done that we don't honor and value downtime. I'm planning to make recharging my batteries with my feet in the sand while staring at the ocean a top priority.

Any pets?

I have two cats. Vinny and Frank. They are the neediest cats on the planet. But very sweet and loving. Frank takes heart medication every day.