Jane Grant, Worcester County Food Bank
Grant.
Before joining the Worcester County Food Bank as director of development and communications in January, Jane Grant was director of major gifts with the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts for six years. In this Q&A, she talks about her priorities in her new role as well as how the agency's volunteers help her get through a long day.
Vital Stats
Residence: Worcester
Education: Bachelor's from Clark University, in Worcester
Previous job: Director of major gifts at the American Red Cross of Central & Western Massachusetts
Start date at new job: Jan. 4
Q: How are you settling in at your new office?
A. Wonderfully well. I could not have asked for a better transition. The team here at the Worcester County Food Bank has welcomed me graciously. They're all so committed and passionate about our mission to engage, educate and lead Worcester County in creating a hunger-free community.
Q: What challenges do you see in your new position?
A: The WCFB has a dedicated base of support - in partner agencies, foundations, individuals and corporate donors. My goal, while it may be challenging at times due to the difficult economy and the prevalent issue of hunger affecting so many, is to raise more awareness and expand our reach to new audiences in order to engage and educate Worcester County about our mission.
Q: What's your favorite thing about Central Massachusetts?
A: The people and the many nonprofit organizations in Worcester County that help so many people in our communities, such as the Worcester County Food Bank.
Q: How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A: I have always been someone who enjoys helping others.
Q: What could local and state governments do to make things better for your business?
The Worcester County Food Bank is in Shrewsbury and the town is very supportive of our work. From our Shrewsbury base, we distribute donated food to our network of 163 partner agencies which are located throughout all of Worcester County. Our state government is also very supportive of the WCFB through the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program. I would encourage and invite all local officials and state legislators to visit us here in Shrewsbury to see firsthand our hunger relief operations and how the community's generous support helps our neighbors in need.
Q: What's the best way to keep your energy and motivation up when you're having a long day?
A: Long days don't exist at WCFB because we've had many snow days since I started in early January! Or, Sue's candy basket in front of her desk - she makes sure we all have an equal opportunity sugar burst in the afternoon.
To answer more seriously - it's a great feeling walking through our warehouse and seeing the smiles on all the faces of our committed volunteers and operations staff, knowing that we're directly helping people in need.
Q: Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A: The new Price Chopper in Shrewsbury or Panera Bread.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
A: Golf, cycling, more golf, inventing new activities for my miniature dachshunds Diesel and Rudy, and laughing with friends.
Q: What's on your to-do list for the next couple of days?
A: I am working with Attorney General Martha Coakley's Worcester Regional Office Chief Margaret Hurley on their upcoming fund and food drive March 28 to April 8, called Legal Food Frenzy. This is a benevolent competition within the legal community of Worcester County which will benefit the WCFB. We are also developing a relationship with a newly formed organization called the Central Mass. Cycling Club that plans to donate the proceeds from their cycling events to the WCFB. Next I am working on the donor newsletter, sharing information on all the goodwill we received during the holiday season. We can never thank our dedicated donors and community partners enough for their continued commitment to being part of our mission.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated part of Grant's title. Her title is director of development and communications.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments